Japan’s deputy defense minister has taken a tough stance against “aggressive” China, declaring Taiwan’s safety a “red line” and calling on US president-elect Joe Biden to “be strong” in backing the island territory claimed by Beijing in the face of a Chinese aggression.

An improved variant of China’s J-11B aircraft has reportedly entered batch production, and experts said on Thursday that this type of heavy fighter jet has possibly received upgrades on its radar system that can increase its situational awareness and combat range.

The war in Afghanistan — the world’s deadliest ongoing conflict — enters a crucial phase in 2021. The United States is set to withdraw all its troops from Afghanistan by May as part of a deal with the Taliban aimed at ending the 19-year war.