China's Strategic Military Exercises Near Paracel Islands

China plans to hold military exercises off Hainan's southern coast, lasting from Friday to Saturday. These exercises, starting at 5 p.m. (0900 GMT), will occur in waters between central Vietnam and the Paracel Islands. Both China and Vietnam claim these islets.

China has announced plans for military exercises off Hainan's southern coast, as confirmed by a notice from the maritime safety agency of the island province.

Set to commence at 5 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Friday, the exercises will span waters located between central Vietnam and the Paracel Islands, according to the coordinates outlined in the notice.

This area is contentious, with both Vietnam and China asserting claims over the Paracel Islands, heightening the strategic importance of the scheduled military maneuvers.

(With inputs from agencies.)