Eight people were killed, and another remained missing after thunderstorms and gales brought by severe convective weather hit the eastern part of central China's Hubei Province, according to the province's emergency management authorities. (Pics/AFP)

Tensions persist in the South China Sea as the Philippine Coast Guard identifies a Chinese maritime militia vessel near Scarborough Shoal on Monday. The latest sighting underscores ongoing disputes in the strategic waters, where China has maintained a strong presence despite repeated protests by Manila. PICS/AFP