On Tuesday, more than 17,000 Philippine and US soldiers began their largest-ever joint military exercises, as relations between the long-term allies warm over shared concerns about China’s power in the Asia-Pacific region.
The expanded annual exercises emphasize enhanced defense ties under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr after his predecessor scaled back drills to seek closer ties with China.
For the first time, the Philippines and the United States will hold live-fire drills at sea during the three-week event known as the ‘Balikatan’ or ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ drills.
The highlight of the exercise will be the combined joint littoral live-fire exercise, which aims to rehearse joint and combined tactics techniques and procedures to execute maritime strike.”
Major General Marvin Licudine, Philippines exercise director, said in a speech at the opening ceremony.
China’s foreign ministry on Monday condemned the joint exercises.
The long-scheduled drills got underway as China ended three days of war games around Taiwan, which included precision strikes and barricading the island after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles.
China views Taiwan as its territory, while the democratically governed island rejects its claims.
Major General Eric Austin, acting US exercise director, said the Balikatan exercises will ensure “we are prepared to respond to real world challenges together.”
US-Philippines relations have warmed considerably under President Marcos, who in February granted the United States increased access to his nation’s military bases.
The countries’ defense and foreign ministers are expected to meet for the first time in seven years in Washington this week.
The exercises, which will be carried out in different parts of the country, will also include training in amphibious operations, aviation operations, cyber defense, urban operations, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian and disaster relief.
President Marcos is expected to witness the live-fire sea exercises which will involve the sinking of an old Philippines navy ship, according to a Philippine military official.
