Daily brief
The United States announced it will send additional missile launchers to the Philippines, a move that has drawn concern from China. The U.S. State Department also hardened its allegation that China conducted a secret nuclear test, a claim that was repeated in separate statements. China, for its part, is accelerating its nuclear submarine production, according to analyses from multiple think tanks and reports.
Russia, China, and Iran are deploying ships for joint naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran confirming a planned military exercise with the two nations.
President Donald Trump claimed he is 'talking' about arms sales to Taiwan with China's Xi Jinping.
The Chinese military conducted combat readiness patrols in the South China Sea.