Laoag City, Philippines – The United States and Philippine forces, with the support of an Australian air force surveillance aircraft, conducted a series of military exercises near the disputed South China Sea on Wednesday. The demonstration included a display of high-precision rockets, artillery fire, and airstrikes that culminated in the sinking of a simulated enemy ship. The joint drills, known as Balikatan, involved over 16,000 military personnel from the US and the Philippines, as well as Australian troops and military observers from 14 countries.
The annual combat-readiness drills come amid heightened tensions in the region due to China’s aggressive actions in disputed territories. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the military to shift its focus to external defense in response to China’s activities in the South China Sea. This strategic shift aligns with US President Joe Biden’s efforts to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s influence.
China’s actions in the South China Sea have raised concerns among neighboring countries, with the Philippines accusing China of harassing its navy and coast guard ships. The Philippines has turned to the United States for support in facing Chinese aggression. China, on the other hand, claims that the Philippines have encroached on its territorial waters, leading to confrontations in the region.
During the military drills, a mock enemy ship, previously decommissioned by the Philippine navy, was targeted and sank by missile fire and airstrikes. The exercises were not directed at any specific country, according to Philippine military officials. However, China has objected to such drills involving US forces, warning that they could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.
The joint exercises, which included staged operations in the disputed Spratly Islands area, have drawn criticism from China, which views US military presence in the region as a threat to its security and territorial interests. The Philippines, supported by its alliance with the US, asserts its right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Chinese incursions.
The deepening security alliance between Washington and Manila has irked Beijing, prompting China to caution against actions that could impede its security objectives. The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial rights, emphasizing the importance of alliances in deterring potential threats in the region. Overall, the military drills underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the South China Sea.