16.10.2024, Taiwan.
The Philippine and US armed forces have begun military exercises in the South China Sea near Taiwan, Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Arturo Rojas said during the official opening on October 15.
The joint US-Philippine military exercises KAMANDAG 8 will last until October 25. Up to 2,000 servicemen from both countries will take part in them, the general noted. The exercises will include landing techniques and humanitarian aid. Notably, servicemen from Australia, the UK, Japan and South Korean will also take part.
“We are talking about building trust, developing cooperation and strengthening partnerships that allow us to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” Rojas said.
Earlier, China conducted military exercises around Taiwan, which drew sharp criticism from the US. In 1951, the US and the Philippines signed a Mutual Defense Treaty, according to which if one side is attacked, it will receive the power and support of the other.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
