The naval forces of the United States, South Korea and Japan staged major trilateral anti-submarine drills for the first time in five years on Friday amid growing tension over North Korea's recent missile tests.

A Chinese research vessel departed from Sri Lanka's Hambantota port on Monday after six days marked by tensions between India and China.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called a meeting with his senior military officials to discuss national defense policies and plans for further arms buildup, amid escalating tensions with the United States and South Korea over Pyongyang's recent missile tests.

A senior US government official has refused to rule out military action against the Solomon Islands if it were to allow China to establish a military base in the South Pacific country.

The death toll from airstrikes by the Pakistani military on targets in eastern Afghanistan has risen to at least 47, according to local officials, sparking angry protests and simmering tensions.

The US government on Wednesday launched a new task force intending to enforce sweeping sanctions imposed on Russian officials over the simmering crisis in Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden has told Russian leader Vladimir Putin that Washington and its allies would respond “decisively” if Russia invades Ukraine.