The Philippine and US militaries on Monday kicked off three weeks of joint exercises that will simulate a “full-scale battle scenario” – as the two allies seek to deter Beijing’s ambitions in the disputed South China Sea.
Around 17,000 troops are expected to take part in the annual “Balikatan”, or “shoulder to shoulder” drills, which for the first time will include an integrated air and missile defence simulation to be attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr.
Sophisticated US weapons including the “highly mobile” NMESIS anti-ship missile system will also be deployed, including near a crucial chokepoint in the waters separating the northern Philippines from Taiwan.
“We will demonstrate not just our will to uphold our mutual defence treaty in existence since 1951 but our matchless capability to do so,” US Marine Corps Lieutenant General James Glynn said on Monday at the Balikatan opening ceremony in Manila.
“Nothing builds bonds more quickly than shared adversity,” he added, without specifying a common threat.
Major General Francisco Lorenzo of the Philippine military added that the exercises would reinforce the country’s ability to address “contemporary security challenges”.
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