(Manila Comprehensive) The Philippines and the United States on Monday (April 22) jointly launched a three -week "Balikatan) joint military exercise.Participate in the exercise parts outside the first sea of the Philippines.
Military exercises will be held from April 22nd to May 10th, and the sea exercises will exceed the Philippines territorial sea for the first time.About 11,000 American soldiers and 5,000 Philippine soldiers participated in the exercise, and 14 countries participated as observer.
Military exercises will include simulated armed forces recaptured by the South China Harbara Province, and islands in the northern Cagarin and Badan.Other training will involve maritime safety, air and missile defense, dynamic missile strikes, network defense and information operation.
Officials from the United States and Philippines said that the military exercise did not target any external aggressor, but improved the interoperability between the two armies.
Lieutenant General Jonal, the US commander of the military exercise, said: "The exercise held in these locations was carried out in accordance with international order and international law, and fully complied with sovereign rights and responsibilities."
Colonel Lockco, a spokesman for military exercise, said that the exercise aims to show the strength of the United States and Philippines and the willingness to defend territory, but "it may not be ruled out that it may also send information to our opponents."
In recent months, China and the Philippines have repeatedly clashed in the Ayunjin Reef (known as Renai Reef) in the South China Sea. The Philippines claiming that China's dangerous operations have caused Philippine crew members to be injured.
Philippine President President Macos stated on April 15 that Philippines joint defense treaty .
The Philippine Star reported that two Chinese militia vessels were found at 30 nautical miles outside Balawwan on Sunday (21st).American maritime expert Powell pointed out that this move may be a demonstration, and China wants to convey some signal to the US -Philippine military exercise.
The US -Philippine military exercise happened to meet China in Qingdao's 19th West Pacific Naval Forum. China issued invitations to all members of the Western Navy forums such as the Philippines, but the Philippines was absent from the forum.
