All Eyes on Ukraine, China Flexes in South China Sea

Beijing warns regional states against ‘external interference’ in disputes while announcing military drills in Vietnam’s claimed Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, China has begun flexing its muscles in a clear show of force to regional rivals.

Over the weekend, Beijing announced that it will increase its defense spending by 7.1% to US$229 billion, up from 6.8% last year.