The exercise, which will last from April 22 to May 10, will involve 16,700 troops from both sides.
In the Philippines, on Monday, April 22, Philippine and US troops will begin three weeks of joint combat exercises, including naval exercises in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing dispute maritime boundaries. The exercises will continue from April 22 to May 10. Reuters reported this.
France and Australia, which have strengthened defense ties with Manila amid China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea, will join the maritime exercises, which will be held outside Philippine territory for the first time.
The exercise, which the Philippines says does not target any country, will involve 16,700 troops from both sides.
Beijing’s increasing pressure in the South China Sea has reportedly caused concern for Manila, which claims the disputed maritime territory, as well as other states operating there, including the United States.
Beijing has criticized the joint drills, saying they increase tensions and undermine regional stability.
As you know, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in 2016 that Beijing’s extensive maritime claims have no basis in international law. China rejected the decision and built military installations on the disputed atolls to bolster its claims.
During the exercise, US troops and their counterparts in Manila will simulate retaking enemy-held islands near Taiwan and the western province of Palawan.
Let’s remember that in the disputed part of the South China Sea, the coast guards of the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines had a confrontation that resulted in the collision of Chinese and Philippine ships.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. of the Philippines that his country will respond to the attack by the Chinese coast guard ships.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.