FALCONPOWERS – On Monday, combat exercises involving Filipino and American forces began, lasting for three weeks and involving approximately 17,000 soldiers in the Philippines. The exercises include maritime training in the South China Sea, where tensions between Manila and Beijing have been escalating due to sovereignty claims.
France and Australia, which have strengthened their defense relations with Manila in response to Beijing’s hostile behavior in the South China Sea, are scheduled to join the maritime exercises for the first time beyond Philippine territorial waters. The military exercises for this year will take place from April 22nd to May 10th and come amid escalating diplomatic disputes and naval confrontations between the Philippines and China, which have involved the use of water cannons and heated exchanges.
Officials have stated that the military exercises are not directed towards any external aggressor but rather aim to enhance operational coordination. China asserts sovereignty over the majority of the South China Sea, through which international trade worth over three trillion dollars passes annually.
China criticizes the joint exercises, stating that they escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.
