China conducted military drills near a disputed shoal in the South China Sea on August 1, 2026, adding a new security flashpoint as China and ASEAN continue discussions on maritime conduct.
Taiwan began the live-force phase of its Han Kuang 42 exercises on Aug. 5, testing military and civilian responses to simulated Chinese invasion scenarios, gray-zone pressure and mobile-network disruption.
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the sea on August 6, according to South Korean and Japanese authorities, days before expected annual U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
