A diplomatic dispute between Taiwan and the Philippines intensified Thursday, as Taipei began a military exercise in the disputed waters between the neighbors.
Taiwan Begins Military Drills Near Philippines

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A helicopter takes off from the stern of a Taiwanese Lafayette frigate during exercises off the southern city of Kaohsiung,Taiwan, May 16, 2013.

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An officer flashes hand signals to a passing helicopter from the stern of a Taiwanese Kidd-class destroyer during exercises off the southern city of Kaohsiung,Taiwan, May 16, 2013.

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A crew member keeps an eye on the horizon at dawn during exercises off the southern city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, May 16, 2013.

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Taiwan naval personnel take part during a joint military drill on a Kidd-class destroyer outside a naval base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, May 15, 2013.