China Coast Guard ships conduct a "rights enforcement patrol" near Japan-administered Senkaku Islands amid rising tensions with Japan.

China's commerce ministry on Friday criticised comments made by Dutch Economy Minister Vincent Karremans defending the seizure of Chinese-owned, Netherlands-based chipmaker Nexperia, days before senior Dutch officials visit Beijing to discuss how to resolve the dispute.

Both countries have summoned each other’s ambassadors after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could draw a military response from Tokyo.

The diplomatic row comes after Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi said Japan may intervene if China blockades Taiwan.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday rolled out the red carpet for the first Thai monarch to visit China since ties were established 50 years ago, seizing the chance to portray his nation as a benevolent neighbour and reliable economic partner.

China’s leader Xi Jinping and Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn have pledged closer ties during the first visit to China by a reigning Thai monarch.

Ahead of the Singapore-China forum on Leadership on Nov 18, Singapore says it sees a good chance to understand Beijing’s view of the world today. Coordinating Minister for Public Services Chan Chun Sing,