On Tuesday (Apr 11), the Philippines and the United States launched their largest-ever joint military exercises. Thus countering growing Chinese assertiveness in the region.
The annual exercises, dubbed Balikatan, or “shoulder to shoulder” in Filipino, will include a live-fire drill in the South China Sea. On the other hand, this is which Beijing claims almost entirely. Nearly 18,000 troops are participating in the drills.
For the first time, the exercises will include military helicopters landing on a Philippine island off the northern tip of the main island of Luzon. This is nearly 300km from Taiwan.
Ultimately, this move comes after Monday’s conclusion of a three-day Chinese military operation . Eventually , this Military Operation simulated targeted strikes and a blockade of self-ruled, democratic Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.
President Ferdinand Marcos
The exercises are being held under President Ferdinand Marcos. President Ferdinand Marcos has sought to strengthen ties with the United States . This was after his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte trashed the alliance.
Philippine exercises spokesman Colonel Michael Logico said, “We must drill and exercise how we will retake an island that has been taken away from us to protect our sovereign territory.”
Manila and Washington have recently agreed to restart joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea . In Addition they also struck a deal to expand the US forces’ footprint in the Philippines, which has infuriated China.
The pact allows the use of an additional four Philippine military bases by US troops. This is including a naval base not far from Taiwan. As a result ,the Philippines’ proximity to the island could potentially make it a key US partner in the event of a Chinese invasion.
China has accused the United States of “endangering regional peace and stability” following news of the expanded base access.