Philippines, U.S. hold biggest-ever drills to counter China

• The Philippines and the U.S. on 11 Apr launched their largest-ever joint military drills, stepping up their defence alliance amid an increasingly assertive China.
• In a show of force, 17,600 troops from both countries are taking part in a series of war games until April 28 to enhance their interoperability in areas such as live-fire drills and maritime security.
• The 38th annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises take place as the U.S. ramps up its military presence in the Philippines, which last week announced four new bases that the U.S. can access.
• The new sites face Taiwan and the disputed South China Sea, two geopolitical flashpoints that loom large in the U.S.-China regional rivalry.
• The start of the drills comes one day after China concluded three days of military exercises around Taiwan, simulating precision strikes on the island.
• Up from 9,000 total participants in 2022, 12,200 American and 5,400 Philippine military personnel are participating in 2023’s drills, practicing maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban and aviation operations, cyber defence, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance.

External Link : https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/South-China-Sea/Philippines-U.S.-hold-biggest-ever-drills-to-counter-China