00:00Here in the northwest of the Philippines, U.S. and Philippine forces are holding a live fire exercises,
00:05simulating a coastal defense against a mock amphibious landing.
00:12Three HIMARS rocket systems are testing precision strike capabilities.
00:17It's part of the annual Balikatan exercises, and this drill tests interoperability among forces from different countries.
00:24Drawing lessons from the war in Ukraine, the U.S., the Philippines, and Japan are fielding a number of systems,
00:32including drones, Stinger missiles, armored vehicles, and indirect-fire weapons, to practice defending northern Luzon.
00:42But this exercise has not been smooth.
00:45After two failed attempts, an aerial target was finally brought down by a Stinger missile.
00:50It takes a lot of work and coordination and synchronization.
00:54And the focus should not be on what you saw, but on the synchronization that was required to execute this,
01:00which is incredibly important and incredibly dangerous.
01:04And while conventional weapons are being fired, they're also testing drones.
01:09They're being used to gather intelligence for the countries,
01:12while drone boats are being used as mock targets to test firing capabilities.
01:17And as the final line of defense, live fire tests on landing forces.
01:21With many of the troops involved, provided by Japan.
01:25Officials say the drill is not directed toward any country, but experts say otherwise.
01:31It's only China that, of course, has a major territorial dispute with the Philippines in the South China Sea.
01:38And, of course, also looking at, just looking at the location, it's not very far from Taiwan.
01:43So, in a way, it's a reflection of the security concern that involves not only the South China Sea,
01:50but more significantly, Taiwan.
01:52While only three countries are actively participating in this drill,
01:57troops from around the world are observing.
01:59And Japan has also promised to send more troops for next year's Balikaten.
02:04With increased participation from Philippine allies this year,
02:08communication and coordination, among all involved, are being prioritized to protect the shore.
02:13Fu Hua Hong, David Santos, and Ellen Lu in Laoa, Philippines, for Taiwan Plus.
02:17So, I hope you hope you will thank...
02:20Coming O, David Santos, and Ellen Pottor, who ,
Comments