The United States and the Philippines will stage their largest joint military exercise next month, with over 17,000 troops participating, amid growing concerns over Beijing’s increased military assertiveness in the region.
The annual Balikatan drill will take place from April 11–28 in Northern Luzon, Palawan, and Antique, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Balikatan spokesperson Col. Michael Logico said on Tuesday.
Logico said the upcoming Balikatan drill “is officially the largest” to date, as it will involve about 17,600 troops from both sides, including 12,000 American troops and several hundred soldiers from Australia.
The drill aims to bolster the U.S.–Philippines maritime defense and will include live-fire exercises in water for the first time, he added. Australian troops will take part in smaller land-based exercises….