Balikatan not a show of force vs. China —AFP

From GMA News (Apr 7): Balikatan not a show of force vs. China —AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has denied that the country's upcoming Balikatan exercises with US forces was the country's way of flexing its military muscle againt China which it has a longtime maritime row with.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc on Monday said the military exercises aimed to strengthen the contry's ties with the US while improving its capability.

“This is not a show of force. It (China) was considered in the planning of the Balikatan exercise. Chinese aggression was not considered. ” Cabunoc said.

Cabunoc added that the move was not a retaliatory response to China's continuing construction and reclamation of maritime territories in the West Philippine Sea.

“It's not related because our country’s position for the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes still stands,” he said.

The Philippines and China have been engaged in a maritime dispute over various territories in the West Philippine Sea.

China has ongoing construction and reclamation activities in seven of the reefs in the Spratly Islands.

China's moves have been brought by the Philippine before an international tribunal.

The Balikatan exercises will commence on April 20 up to April 30 where over 11,000 US and Filipino soldiers will participate in.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/465902/news/nation/balikatan-not-a-show-of-force-vs-china-afp