The Balikatan exercises, involving 9,000 US and 5,000 Filipino troops, simulate a defense scenario including mock island invasions. Notably joined by Australian forces and international observers, the drills aim to strengthen military cooperation and readiness in the face of regional threats, primarily from China. US military leaders emphasized commitment to defence and deterrence in the South China Sea. Philippine officials clarified the exercises focus on national security rather than targeting specific nations amidst growing geopolitical tensions.
Our combined strength...possesses a degree of lethality for a force that possesses an indomitable warrior ethos and spirit...to ensure the defence of the Philippines and to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The exercises are not targeted at any nation, but instead aim to boost national defence and enhance cooperation between the allies.
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