Phillipines, U.S. stage their own military drills in the South China Sea following Beijing’s large-scale exercises
Just one day after China concluded large-scale exercises around Taiwan, the U.S. and the Philippines are holding their own joint military drills.
Filipino and U.S. officials say this latest round of drills shows their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Washington announced the annual exercise will be their largest ever – involving more than 17,000 troops.
The two week operation will even see the militaries blow up a mock target warship in the South China Sea.
The waterways around the Philippines and in the South China Sea contain some of the world’s most valuable trade routes.
They have been the subject of disputed territorial claims by Beijing over recent years.
