US and Philippines kick off largest-ever joint military drills aimed at countering China

The US and Philippines have begun their largest-ever joint military drills, amid concerns over China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. The three-week exercises involve more than 17,000 troops from both sides -- nearly double last year's 9,000. For the first time, the militaries will hold a live-fire drill at sea. The Philippines had earlier offered the US access to four new military bases. Three of them face north towards Taiwan, and one is near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

Follow us:

[francislustro]

no matter what happens, we will support the US here in the Philippines because we are allies

[diazvirdani]

*Philippines🇵🇭 have maritime disputes with China.*
make maritime border agreement & peace!

[nesthi]

Keep the peace, Vietnam! Don't help China!

[freedomever]

The US should base another Carrier Strike group in the Philippines.

[romnickmontemayor]

More Edca sites would be better. I hope the Philippine Gvnt would allow 20 more edca sites. So that China would be gone forever hahahahha

[MichaelDaley]

China leave these people alone! Taiwan will not bow to you! Forget Taiwan and move on! Please do not start a ward! I am Jamaican 🇯🇲 and I would join US and Taiwan to fight! China what is wrong with you and having power over people! You already have your country under what looks like slavery! Nobody else wants that

[mudskipper]

Balikatan means doing job together to achieve greater result!

China's agression brought Nation's around it to prepare for it's military expansion and readiness! We don't want war but we need to prepare for it! Strategic partnership is all we have to maintain peace in the region!

[marinakano]

Good 👍 More EDCA please at Spratly Island

[paul]

I think most of Chinese think that Filipinos are stupid. Remember we ain't stupid, we are even better English speakers than yours guys, so please be respectful and always respect the Philippines and the Filipinos.. okay we ain't Myanmar

[deschan]

For Regional Peace and Harmony 👍👍👍👏👏👏 Support

[ric]

You are no more considered a sovereign country once outside foreign force is permanently in your country, so sad.

[reynaldoaquino]

The cost to pay: With MDT, we could be possibly asked, fielding our soldiers with US abroad due to "expertise"?
Pilipino soldiers are much respected worldwide for unmatched daring courage & combat skills from war to war!

[johnericpamintuan]

GOOD TO SEE THAT THE G I'S ARE BACK AGAIN IN THE PHILIPPINES 😁 WELCOME BACK JOE👍💪😁

[devildevil]

Time to import everything from India 😂😂

[jagsingh]

On the islands of South China Sea, ancient Chinese relics like temples, coins, porcelains, china artifacts and clay makings were found. These relics are ancient Chinese because at their same time, no other countries reached the same smelting or china/porcelain/pottery making skills. Only China could do that. This is one evidence Chinese lived on the islands. China owns the 9 dash area of South China Sea. UN and most countries admit this fact. For example, it was US warships that carried China soldiers cruising that sea in 1946 to declare China sovereignty over there.

[wangchung]

The Philippines has signed the defence pact and its army has to go to where the US army operates.

[martindawn]

The big question is how we can foster an environment whereby people can be celebrated for being different and where people can speak out without fear of reprisal? You see, the thing about speaking out is that it should be a natural act of being. You speak your own truth and in so doing allow people around you a chance to see a different perspective while also giving yourself the chance to be challenged. It should not be in any way controversial. However, in the Singaporean context – this natural act of simply stating your opinion has become a big issue.

The thing about being analytical, forming your own opinion, being innovative and confident in your own thought processes, is that it is an organic and holistic process. You cannot encourage innovation in some areas while suppressing the same inquisitive mind in other areas. In other words, you cannot cherry pick a questioning mind. To do so, leads to artificial or stunted growth.

[Gladiatorking]

US military drill is for promoting peace it seems 🤣🤣

[louisleo]

There is peace in Asia.. What the hell is America doing in Asia... ?

[wangyi]

That's Mirabel Madrigal from Disney Encanto