China rapidly expanded its military and became increasingly assertive in pressing territorial claims in South China Which Beijing claims virtually in its entirety.
The Philippine military launched a two-week combat exercise Monday, including a mock seizure of an island in the disputed South China Sea. About 3,000 Filipino army, navy and air force personnel would take part in the exercises.
Philippine military officials attempted to downplay the focus of the exercises, saying they were not directed against any country. But the manoeuvres come at a time when tensions are already running high in the region. China has rapidly expanded its military presence while pursuing its territorial claims in the South China Sea, which it mostly claims as its own.
The disputes have flared into increased confrontations, principally with the Philippines and Vietnam, but also with Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Taiwan. Recently, Indonesia reported that its patrol ships chased away a Chinese coast guard vessel that interfered with a state-owned energy company’s survey in a disputed area of the South China Sea.
Our mission today is very clear: to prepare ourselves comprehensively to respond against any external threats that might challenge our sovereignty,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. during the opening ceremony of the exercises.
The exercises will include artillery and assault rifle live-fire drills, as well as drills for beach landings. Filipino forces, meanwhile, would simulate seized control of an island in manoeuvres in the South China Sea, Philippine army Col. Michael Logico told reporters without elaborating.
