U.S. and Philippines launch large-scale joint military exercises after China's Taiwan drills
- In Reports
- 10:29 PM, Oct 15, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Tuesday, the armed forces of the United States and the Philippines commenced large-scale joint exercises in the northern and western Philippines. The drills designed to enhance interoperability will continue till October 25 and have commenced close on the heels of China's war games around Taiwan and Chinese vessel collision with a Philippines patrol boat that drew a harsh rebuke from Taipei, the Philippines and Washington.
More than 2,000 American troops and Filipino soldiers and personnel will engage in amphibious landings as well as live fire and humanitarian assistance exercises on the island-based training, according to the Philippine Marine Corps.
U.S. allies Australia, Britain, Japan and South Korea will join the exercises which are currently taking place off the northern coast of Luzon, while naval drills involving the Philippines, the United States and four other countries, have already commenced. The armed forces drills are named KAMANDAG, an acronym in Filipino for "Cooperation of the warriors of the sea".
"KAMANDAG is more than just defence. It is about building trust, fostering cooperation, and reinforcing the partnerships that allow us to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Major General Arturo Rojas, Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, said at the opening.
Rojas, adding to KAMANDAG, reflected the strong ties between the Philippines and its allies and a collective will to safeguard peace and stability in the region.
The Philippines and the United States, both bound by a seven-decades-old Mutual Defence Treaty, have been holding joint exercises for decades.
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