During exercises, the United States will deploy packaging weapons during exercises, including the Nmesis system near the Taiwan Filipan area.
The Philippines and the United States on Monday began annual joint military exercises called Balikatan. The maneuvers, which will last until 9 May and will be attended by about 17,000 soldiers, are to simulate a “full -fledged battle scenario”. For the first time, a simulation of integrated air and missile defense will also take place with the participation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. According to the AFP report, TASR reports this.
The United States is planning to deploy sophisticated weapons over the next three weeks, including the NMESIS mobile anti -Missile missile system, even near a key point in the area that separates the Northern Philippines from Taiwan. This island is claimed by mainland China, and it is the American-Filipino exercises that are aim to discourage Beijing from his ambitions in the disputed South China Sea, writes AFP.
The US talks about common difficulties
“We will not only prove our will to observe the mutual defense contract, which has existed since 1951, but also our incomplete abilities,” said James Glynn, a rejore to the American Naval Infantry, at the opening ceremony of Balikatan in Manila. “Nothing creates ties as quickly as common difficulties,” he added without specifying a joint threat.
His Philippine colleague, Major General Francisco Lorenzo, added that exercises will strengthen the ability of the Philippines to address “current security challenges”.
Most of the forces involved in exercises that took place in 1991 are members of the US Army, smaller contingents are also sent by other countries such as Australia and Japan.
The country is crucial
Given the proximity of the Philippines to Taiwan and its surrounding waters, the cooperation of Manila with Washington, according to AFP, is crucial in case of any US conflict with China. The agreement on strengthened defense cooperation allows the United States to access nine bases in the Philippines.
The Philippines have been in confrontation with China for several months in connection with the disputed areas of the South China Sea. Since Marcos’ joining the position of President in 2022, they have been constantly deepening defensive cooperation with the US and have begun to defend themselves with the extensive demands of China for this key waterway. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said during a recent visit to Manila that the US is still “doubleing” this alliance.
