The Philippines and the United States launched their largest-ever joint military exercises Tuesday, as the longstanding allies seek to counter growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.
Nearly 18,000 troops are taking part in the annual exercises dubbed Balikatan, or “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, which for the first time will include a live-fire drill in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely.
The drills follow Monday’s conclusion of a three-day Chinese military exercise that simulated targeted strikes and a blockade of self-ruled, democratic Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
insiderpaper.com/philippines-us-kick-off-largest-ever-joint-military-drills/
The US and the Philippines kicked off the largest version of their flagship military exercise in more than 30 years on Tuesday, a high-profile display of their renewed alliance that includes live-fire training targeting a decommissioned vessel near the South China Sea.
US Nimitz Class CVN-68 Aircraft Carrier spotted in the Philippines sea after it's stand off with Chinese Shandong Aircraft Carrier East of Taiwan. pic.twitter.com/9vipbZSqTy
— Koba (@Roberto05246129) April 11, 2023
🇺🇸🇵🇭US and Philippines begin biggest-ever joint military exercises in South China Sea.
Over 17,000 troops taking part in annual Balikatan drills, as Washington ramps up military presence in Manila by adding 4 new military bases on Philippine territory. pic.twitter.com/71aq1Vjera
— Kevin smith (@KJ00355197) April 11, 2023
Taiwanese defense ministry says there are 8 Chinese vessels still operating in the waters surrounding Taiwan despite China announced ending war games.
And in related news; President Marcos stated that the Philippines will not allow offensive military actions from US bases on… pic.twitter.com/2mGtRBa3XZ— Erin Brophy – don't forget to laugh.. (@ERINBROPHY18) April 11, 2023
China hawks tell Macron: You don’t speak for Europe
www.politico.eu/article/china-skeptic-mps-emmanuel-macron-speak-europe/
h/t DOORBERT