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LAOAG, Philippines (Reuters) - The armed forces of the United States and the Philippines engaged in a series of missile and artillery drills on Monday, simulating a defensive operation against a hypothetical invasion in the northern waters of the Philippines, facing Taiwan. This exercise, known as Balikatan, aims to demonstrate military capabilities and strengthen bilateral ties amid escalating regional tensions.
Approximately 200 soldiers participated in the drills, rotating to defend the shores of Laoag, a coastal city in Ilocos province. Using Javelin missiles, howitzers, and machine guns, they simulated repelling an enemy attempting to storm the beach.
As part of the exercise, U.S. and Filipino military personnel sank five floating pontoons representing amphibious landing ships. The annual Balikatan exercises, involving about 16,000 Filipino and American troops, began last month and will continue until May 10. These drills come at a time of increasing tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea.
Last week, the Philippines accused China of using water cannons against their vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, resulting in damage to naval vessels and injuries to personnel onboard. Despite these tensions, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that his country would not retaliate in kind, emphasizing the desire to avoid further escalation.
The exercises have drawn criticism from China, which has warned against actions that could destabilize the region. U.S. Marines Lieutenant General Michael Cederholm, commander of joint task force Balikatan, emphasized that the exercises are not directed against any specific adversary but are intended to improve interoperability between the two forces.
The main exercises will conclude with a "maritime strike" on Wednesday, during which Philippine and U.S. forces will sink a decommissioned Philippine navy ship. Other exercises have included simulations of retaking occupied islands and joint patrols in the South China Sea with France and Australia.
Security cooperation between Manila and Washington has increased under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has allowed greater American access to Philippine bases under an enhanced defense cooperation agreement. The United States and the Philippines also began joint patrols in the South China Sea last year.
U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have reaffirmed their commitment to defend the Philippines against any armed attack under their 1951 mutual defense treaty.