The United States and the Philippines have begun their largest-ever joint military drills, with 17,600 personnel from both countries taking part.
The Philippines has been strengthening its alliance with the US in the face of a growing Chinese presence in the South China Sea.
In February, Manila agreed to allow US forces to have more bases in the Philippines.
On Tuesday, a ceremony was held at the Philippine military command in Manila to mark the start of the 18-day exercise.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Andres Centino, said this year's drills are aimed at upgrading maritime security and territorial surveillance capabilities, as well as showing how the bilateral alliance has deepened.
The militaries are scheduled to conduct aerial reconnaissance training using drones, as well as their first joint maritime live-fire drills in the South China Sea, in waters to the west of Luzon island.
About 100 military personnel from Australia are also due to join the drills.
Meanwhile, protesters demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Manila on Tuesday morning.
One demonstrator said the exercise heightens tension between the US and China, and does not help protect the people of the Philippines.
The Philippines has been strengthening its alliance with the US in the face of a growing Chinese presence in the South China Sea.
In February, Manila agreed to allow US forces to have more bases in the Philippines.
On Tuesday, a ceremony was held at the Philippine military command in Manila to mark the start of the 18-day exercise.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Andres Centino, said this year's drills are aimed at upgrading maritime security and territorial surveillance capabilities, as well as showing how the bilateral alliance has deepened.
The militaries are scheduled to conduct aerial reconnaissance training using drones, as well as their first joint maritime live-fire drills in the South China Sea, in waters to the west of Luzon island.
About 100 military personnel from Australia are also due to join the drills.
Meanwhile, protesters demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Manila on Tuesday morning.
One demonstrator said the exercise heightens tension between the US and China, and does not help protect the people of the Philippines.
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Summary
United States and Philippines hold largest joint military drills involving 17,600 personnel. These exercises, taking place over 18 days, aim to strengthen maritime security and territorial surveillance capabilities amidst growing Chinese presence in the South China Sea. The drills include aerial
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ID: 4933593b-0b99-4568-b046-c0388dd8b54e
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230411_27/
Date: April 11, 2023
Created: 2023/04/12 07:28
Updated: 2025/12/09 05:07
Last Read: 2023/04/12 08:11