MANILA - The Philippines and the United States will hold their biggest military drills in April, with their first live-fire exercises at sea and over 17,600 troops set to demonstrate their maritime defence capabilities, amid mounting tensions with Beijing over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Exercise Balikatan will be held from April 11 to 28 in key military bases and nearby areas across the Philippines, said spokesman Colonel Michael Logico. "Balikatan" means "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog.
The coastal province of Zambales and the island province of Palawan, which are close to the South China Sea, are among the areas where joint exercises will take place.
The Philippines is among the South-east Asian countries challenging Beijing's sweeping claim over the disputed waters.
Drills will also be held for the first time in the northern province of Ilocos Norte, the political bailiwick of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and one of the areas closest to Taiwan, whose own conflict with China has been simmering these past months.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin March 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin March 15, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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