Philippines, US and allies stage counter-landing drills near South China Sea
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 29
Philippines, US and allies stage counter-landing drills near South China Sea
10 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 29
On Palawan, forces from Australia and New Zealand used live fire and unmanned systems, while Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner said the exercise defended Manila's exclusive economic zone.
The drill formed part of Balikatan, running from April 20 to May 8 and involving more than 17,000 personnel from seven countries, including about 10,000 Americans.
Another phase in northern Luzon will include Japanese troops firing Type 88 missiles for the first time, as tensions with China persist despite a 2016 ruling rejecting Beijing's sweeping claims.
While allies practice defense, China builds a new island fortress. What is the next move to counter this permanent expansion?
Beyond military drills, can the Philippines' new defense concept actually secure its waters against China's overwhelming regional presence?
As cheap drones prove decisive in modern warfare, is the Pentagon's response enough to counter China's manufacturing dominance?