Philippines-U.S. Balikatan Military Drills Begin Amid China Tensions

TaiwanPlus News

The Philippines and the United States will hold large-scale military drills over the coming weeks. The annual Balikatan exercises are happening against a backdrop of increased confrontations with China.

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00:00The U.S. and the Philippines have begun their annual joint military drills amid tensions with China.

00:06The head of the Philippine Armed Forces spoke at the opening ceremony for the exercises called Balikatan, or shoulder-to-shoulder.

00:14These initiatives are not solely about demonstrating power.

00:20They epitomize partnership in action.

00:23Dedicated to safeguarding people, preserving peace, and preparing for future challenges.

00:32More than 14,000 Filipino and American soldiers are taking part in this year's Balikatan exercises around the Philippines.

00:40The drills come amid increasing confrontations between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea over their competing territorial claims.

00:48Other countries, including Australia and Japan, will also take part in the exercises.

00:53They include air and missile defense drills and maritime strikes and will run until May 9th.

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