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.



Zelenskiy Spoke with Trump Ahead of Peace Deal Deadline

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gestures during a press conference on the first day of the two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference, on plans for the reconstruction of Ukraine, in Rome, Italy, July 10, 2025. (Reuters)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gestures during a press conference on the first day of the two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference, on plans for the reconstruction of Ukraine, in Rome, Italy, July 10, 2025. (Reuters)
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Zelenskiy Spoke with Trump Ahead of Peace Deal Deadline

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gestures during a press conference on the first day of the two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference, on plans for the reconstruction of Ukraine, in Rome, Italy, July 10, 2025. (Reuters)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gestures during a press conference on the first day of the two-day Ukraine Recovery Conference, on plans for the reconstruction of Ukraine, in Rome, Italy, July 10, 2025. (Reuters)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday that he had had a "productive" conversation with his US counterpart Donald Trump on ending the war, sanctions on Russia and the finalization of a US-Ukraine drone deal. 

Trump, who has signaled frustration with Vladimir Putin in recent weeks, has given the Russian president until August 8 to make peace in Ukraine or face tougher sanctions. 

"President Trump is fully informed about Russian strikes on Kyiv and other cities and communities," Zelenskiy wrote on X, referring to intensifying drone and missile attacks. 

Trump has threatened to hit Russia with new sanctions and impose 100% tariffs on countries that buy its oil, but sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Putin was unlikely to bow to the ultimatum. 

Zelenskiy said Ukraine was also ready to conclude a deal with the US on the purchase of Ukrainian drones that would amount to "one of the strongest agreements". He had earlier said the deal was worth around $30 billion. 

Ukraine is increasingly seeking financing and investment from its foreign partners to bolster its burgeoning domestic arms industry. 

Zelenskiy said Kyiv's European partners had so far pledged to buy more than $1 billion in US weapons for Ukraine as part of a new scheme.