WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Pentagon has pulled its invitation for China to join maritime exercises in the Pacific because of Beijing’s “continued militarization” of the South China Sea, an official said on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), in the latest sign of US-China strains.

China hit back at the decision, calling it “very non-constructive” and saying it was taken without due reflection.

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details