WASHINGTON, D.C.: The United States on Tuesday promised to defend the Philippines in the dispute-rife South China Sea as the allies launched their largest-ever joint exercises in the face of Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region.
Nearly 18,000 troops are taking part in the annual exercises dubbed Balikatan, or "shoulder to shoulder" in Filipino, which for the first time will include a live-fire drill in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost entirely.
Already have an active account? Log in here.
Continue reading with one of these options:
Continue reading with one of these options:
Premium + Digital Edition
Ad-free access
P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
- Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
- Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)
TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details
If you have an active account, log in
here
.