On Tuesday, over 17,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers began their largest joint military training over China’s Asian-Pacific aggression.
While his predecessor halted drills to improve relations with Beijing, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. increased defensive drills.
The Philippines and the U.S. will undertake live-fire training at sea for the first time during the three-week “Balikatan” or “shoulder-to-shoulder” drills.
During the opening ceremony, Philippines exercise director Major General Marvin Licudine said the combined joint littoral live-fire exercise would be the centerpiece.
The joint drills “must not participate in South China Sea problems, far less damage China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests and security interests,” China’s foreign ministry warned Monday.
China launched its long-planned maneuvers in Los Angeles when Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Taiwan denies Chinese claims.
Major General Eric Austin, temporary U.S. exercise director, said Balikatan ensures “we are prepared to respond to real world challenges together.”
In February, Marcos gave Washington increased access to Filipino military installations, strengthening ties.
The military and foreign ministries will meet in Washington this week after seven years.
The countrywide drills include amphibious, aircraft, cyber, urban, counter-terrorism, humanitarian, and disaster support training.
A Philippine military spokesperson claimed Marcos would watch live-fire maritime operations that sank an old navy ship.
