China's Strategic Military Exercises Near Paracel Islands

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.)