Japan, Philippines to enhance security ties as China's clout grows in the South China Sea.
Taiwan welcomed the decision saying the training and equipment would help defend itself against Beijing's "continuing military expansion and provocation".
China and the Solomon Islands have initialled a draft security agreement, sparking concerns among regional players such as Australia.
The conflict shows that the regional order, particularly around the South China Sea, may not be sustainable if agreements are viewed as “mere words” on a piece of paper.
The new rules aim to improve efficiency in the supervision of military equipment purchase contracts and ensure good quality equipment is delivered to the army, Xinhua news agency reports.
China has maintained the drive to expand and modernize its armed forces despite high levels of government debt and a slowing economy, partly as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Malaysian authorities warn bad weather is set to continue in northern states, as official data showed 11,831 people are being housed in flood relief centres.
The deal was negotiated with the government of India in an effort to modernise the Philippine military.
The feared death toll from Typhoon Rai has risen to at least 33 people, as rescue teams reach damaged areas and communication lines are restored.
The two-stage drills off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island involved eight warships and four aircraft from Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Brunei.
Chinese President Xi Jinping says his country won’t use its position to seek hegemony over its neighbours days after a flare-up in a maritime dispute with the Philippines.
Vice President Kamala Harris vows support to Vietnam in several key areas including enhancement of its maritime security in bid to counter China's influence as events in Afghanistan cast doubts on US claims of reliability.
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