China makes official protest to Singapore over its military ties to Taiwan
China has protested to Singapore over its military ties with Taiwan following the seizure of nine Singaporean military vehicles in Hong Kong. The move is a sign of rising tensions with China, as Singapore strengthens its military ties with the US and Beijing shows signs of increased assertiveness towards its Asian neighbours, after decades of a low profile strategy in regards to foreign policy. China has also been actively courting US allies in the region - the Philippines and Thailand.

Armoured troop carriers, belonging to Singapore, are detained at a cargo terminal in Hong Kong. Photo: Reuters