MANILA, April 20 (Bernama-dpa) — The Philippines and the United States (US) on Monday launched annual joint military exercises, with more than 17,000 troops taking part in live-fire drills, a simulated maritime strike and integrated air manoeuvres, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
Troops from Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and France are also participating in the 19-day “Balikatan” exercises, which are mainly focused on territorial defence.
Japan is actively participating for the first time in Balikatan, which translates as “shoulder-to-shoulder.”
In the past, its involvement was limited to humanitarian assistance and disaster response activities.
General Romeo Brawner, chief of staff of the Philippine armed forces, said the annual Balikatan reaffirmed the strength of the security alliance between Manila and Washington as they work together for a secure Asia-Pacific region.
“We remain guided by a shared commitment to uphold international law, to respect sovereignty and to contribute to a free and open Indo-Pacific where nations can thrive without coercion,” he said at the opening ceremony.
The US described Balikatan as “a powerful demonstration” of its “iron-clad commitment” to its alliance with the Philippines.
A US general said the exercises, which have been held since 1991, were aimed at strengthening joint capabilities using advanced systems and improving readiness.
The drills are mainly being held on the main northern island of Luzon, including provinces near the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
China regards self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory and has threatened to seize it.
There are also regular incidents in the South China Sea, where Beijing claims most of the resource-rich region despite an international arbitration ruling rejecting its claims.
— NNN-BERNAMA-dpa