India's foreign ministry says it rejects attempts by Beijing to change the names of mountains and rivers in its Arunachal Pradesh state. China also lays claim to the region.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Taiwan has shown unwavering support for Kyiv. The invasion of a young democracy by its larger neighbour is indeed a situation that hits close to home in Taiwan.

All sides are closely watching whether China would respond by staging another round of large-scale military exercises near the self-ruled democratic island.

A Beijing-brokered deal between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia marks major diplomatic progress which could reshape relations across the region which has witnessed decades of conflict and violence.

China's military advances come after Beijing condemned the meeting between Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

During a trip to Beijing, the French president and the EU's von der Leyen are seeking to get Xi Jinping to pressure his ally Russia for peace in Ukraine. China has so far steered clear of condemning Moscow's invasion.

The Taiwanese leader's visit is officially a stopover following a tour of Latin America. China said the visit "seriously violates the One-China principle," its inistence that none of its trade partners recognize Taiwan.

China has deployed an aircraft carrier battle group to the Taiwan Strait after the meeting. But a major military response appears unlikely, say experts.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and a US conservative think-tank were among the organizations sanctioned by China. The move comes after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

After India outrightly rejected China's attempt to rename places of Arunachal Pradesh, Beijing on Tuesday claimed its "sovereignty" over the region. In a regular press conference, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, "Zangnan (Arunachal Pradesh) is part of China's territory.

Over 40 Chinese planes and eight ships were detected around Taiwan. The drills come after Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Military drills involving Chinese forces are continuing for a second day, with air force sorties. The move comes right after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen returned from her visit to the US.