In message to China, US and Philippines schedule naval exercises

Posted to Big News Network (Feb 19, 2023): In message to China, US and Philippines schedule naval exercises (By Robert Besser)

MANILLA, Philippines: Amidst growing tensions with China in the South China Sea, Manila's army chief, Romeo Brawner, said that this year the Philippines and the US will hold their largest joint military exercises since 2015.

Coming after the Philippines condemned China's "aggressive" actions in the disputed waterway, including its use of a "military-grade laser" against one of Manila's vessels earlier this month, the 'Balikatan' exercises highlight the Asian country's improved relations with the US under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Brawner added that the annual exercises will involve more than the previous year's 8,900 troops, and will be held in the second quarter of this year.

"All of these exercises that we are doing are in response to all types of threats that we may be facing in the future, both man-made and natural," Brawner said.

Meanwhile, President Marcos summoned the Chinese ambassador and expressed his "serious concern" over China's activities in the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by Beijing as its territory.

After the use of a laser against a Philippine vessel on 6th February, which China's foreign ministry insists was legal, Australia, Japan, and the US have expressed their support for the Philippines.

Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Patrick Ryder tweeted that Washington will "redouble its efforts with our Philippine ally to bolster the Philippine military and coast guard's defense capabilities, as we work shoulder-to-shoulder to uphold the rules-based international order."

As part of Washington's efforts to curb China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and tension over Taiwan, the Philippines has granted the US greater access to its military bases.

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