The Philippines and the United States begin their largest joint military maneuvers

The Philippines and the United States began Tuesday, April 11, the largest joint military maneuvers in their history, as the two historic allies seek to counter China’s influence in the region. Some 18,000 troops, about double last year, take part in these annual two-week exercises.

For the first time, the operations will include live ammunition firing in the South China Sea, almost all of which Beijing claims. The joint maneuvers come as China conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan from Saturday to Monday, simulating targeted strikes and a total blockade of the island. These operations include the landing of helicopters on a Philippine island off the northern end of the main island of Luzon, about 300 km from Taiwan.

In recent months, Manila and Washington have relaunched their joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea, and reached an agreement aimed at increasing the American military presence in the Philippines. Under the deal, US troops will be allowed to use four additional Philippine military bases, including a naval base not far from Taiwan.