China Deploys Three ‘Navigation’ Beacons in the South China Sea 

This photo taken on April 21, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship patrolling before Subi reef (R) near the Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea. (AFP)
This photo taken on April 21, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship patrolling before Subi reef (R) near the Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea. (AFP)
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China Deploys Three ‘Navigation’ Beacons in the South China Sea 

This photo taken on April 21, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship patrolling before Subi reef (R) near the Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea. (AFP)
This photo taken on April 21, 2023 shows a Chinese coast guard ship patrolling before Subi reef (R) near the Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea. (AFP)

China deployed three navigation beacons around the contested Spratly islands of the South China Sea, following similar marker placements by the Philippines earlier this month, as both sides try to fortify their claims to the area.

China's Transport Ministry on Wednesday said its South China Sea maritime security center placed the three beacons close to Irving Reef, Whitson Reef, and Gaven Reef of the Spratly islands, which is consisted of many islets, reef banks and shoals.

The beacon placement is to "ensure the safety of ships' navigation and operations," it said.

Earlier this month, the Philippines also placed navigational buoys carrying the country's national flags within its exclusive economic zone, including at the Whitsun Reef, and where hundreds of Chinese ships moored in 2021.

Tensions have heightened recently in contested parts of the South China Sea, one of the world's most important trade routes.

China has claimed nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory. It is also claimed by Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines.



Top Trump Aide Accuses India of Financing Russia’s War in Ukraine

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller looks on, as US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a bilateral meeting, at Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, July 28, 2025. (Reuters)
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller looks on, as US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a bilateral meeting, at Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, July 28, 2025. (Reuters)
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Top Trump Aide Accuses India of Financing Russia’s War in Ukraine

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller looks on, as US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a bilateral meeting, at Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, July 28, 2025. (Reuters)
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller looks on, as US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hold a bilateral meeting, at Trump Turnberry golf course in Turnberry, Scotland, Britain, July 28, 2025. (Reuters)

A top aide to President Donald Trump on Sunday accused India of effectively financing Russia's war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, after the US leader escalated pressure on New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil.

"What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia," said Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House and one of Trump's most influential aides.

Miller's criticism was some of the strongest yet by the Trump administration about one of the United States' major partners in the Indo-Pacific.

"People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That's an astonishing fact," Miller said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures."

The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi will keep purchasing oil from Moscow despite US threats.

A 25% tariff on Indian products went into effect on Friday as a result of its purchase of military equipment and energy from Russia.

Trump has also threatened 100% tariffs on US imports from countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine.

Miller tempered his criticism by noting Trump's relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he described as "tremendous."