Joint military exercises by the United States and the Philippines began in the Philippines on the 11th. More than 1,7000 people from the militaries of both countries participated in the exercise, the largest number ever, and it is believed that the aim is to deter China, which is increasing its maritime advances in the South China Sea.
United States Philippines 1,7600 participants from the militaries of both countries
In February, the Philippines agreed to increase the number of bases and bases that the U.S. military can use in the Philippines, and is strengthening its alliance with the United States in view of China's increasing maritime presence in the South China Sea.
Against this backdrop, joint military exercises in the Philippines, the largest ever for 2,1 people from the militaries of both countries, began for 7600 to 11 days.
On the first day, an opening ceremony was held at the Philippine Armed Forces headquarters in Manila, and Chief of Staff Centino said, "This year's exercise aims to improve maritime security and territorial surveillance capabilities, and demonstrates the deepening of the alliance."
The exercise will include aerial reconnaissance training using drones and the first joint live-fire exercise at sea off the coast of the South China Sea in western Luzon.
About 18 people from Australia, which has strengthened its security ties with the United States and the Philippines, will also participate in the exercise.
Demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila
On the other hand, a demonstration against the drills was held in front of the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and a man who participated in the demonstration said, "I believe that the exercises will increase tensions between the United States and China, and they will not help protect the people of the Philippines."