The annual ‘Balikatan’ exercises will be conducted in the second quarter and involve more than the previous year’s 8,900 troops, army chief Romeo Brawner told reporters.
The Philippines and the United States will this year carry out their biggest joint military drills since 2015, Manila’s army chief said on Wednesday, against a backdrop of growing tensions with China in the South China Sea.
The exercises underscore improved ties with the United States under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and come as the Philippines condemns China’s “aggressive” actions in the disputed waterway, including its use of a “military-grade laser” against one of Manila’s vessels earlier this month. “All of these exercises that we are doing are in response to all types of threats that we may be facing in the future, both man-made and natural,” Brawner said.to express “serious concern” over the intensity and frequency of China’s activities in the South China Sea, most of which China claims as its territory.against a Philippine vessel on Feb. 6, which its foreign ministry insists was legal, has sparked expressions of concerns and support from Australia, Japan, and the United States.
Washington “will redouble its efforts with our Philippine ally” to bolster the Philippine military and coast guard’s defence capabilities “as we work shoulder-to-shoulder to uphold the rules-based international order,” Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder said on Twitter.to its military bases as part of the latter’s efforts to deter China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and tension over self-ruled Taiwan.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
PH, US poised to hold biggest ‘Balikatan’ exercise in yearsThe Philippines and the United States are poised to hold the largest joint military drills in years to enhance readiness in the face of threats, according to the army chief.
Read more »
Philippines files protest to China over use of laser, 'aggressive activities' by vesselsThe Philippines on Tuesday filed a diplomatic protest calling on Beijing to ensure its vessels cease 'aggressive activities' after Manila accused China's coast guard of trying to block one of its ships in the South China Sea using a 'military grade laser.'
Read more »
LOOK: Amorsolo’s art pieces in Lego mosaic on exhibit at Manila City HallThe city government of Manila launched “Project AMORsolo: Lego Bricks Mosaic Arts Exhibition” in celebration of National Art Month and to commemorate National Artist Fernando Amorsolo’s 50th anniversary. | FArgosinoINQ
Read more »
Tolentino disagrees PH can invoke MDT after laser attack: ‘It’s not yet there’The Philippines cannot invoke yet its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States after China’s harassment of the Philippine Coast Guard using a “military-grade” laser, Senator Francis Tolentino believes.
Read more »
CFC Gentle Giants off to Manila to resume PFL campaignCEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Football Club (CFC) Gentle Giants will leave for Manila today to resume their campaign in the second half of the Philippines Football League (PFL) season which
Read more »
DOTr chief: Metro Manila Subway to catalyze PHL economic rebound | BusinessMirrorThe Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is expected to improve living standards, including the riding public, and propel the country’s economic rebound, Transportation Secretary Bautista said Monday. At the groundbreaking ceremony for the MMSP’s Contract Package 103, Bautista said the big-ticket railway project has far-reaching benefits such as comfort and…
Read more »