Photo : AP
The United States and the Philippines kicked off large-scale joint military exercises on Tuesday, marking another significant chapter in their longstanding defense cooperation. These drills, which run until October 25, come at a time of heightened tensions in the region, particularly following China’s recent war games around Taiwan. The military exercises, conducted by China on Monday, drew sharp condemnation from both Taipei and the US government, underscoring the complex and delicate geopolitical environment in the Indo-Pacific.
The joint exercises between the US and the Philippines are set to unfold across multiple locations in the Philippines, including areas facing both Taiwan and the contested South China Sea, two of the most strategically sensitive regions in the world today. These drills involve more than 2,000 troops from the United States and the Philippines, as well as personnel from key allies such as Australia, Britain, Japan, and South Korea. The exercises will focus on a wide range of military operations, including amphibious landings, live-fire drills, and humanitarian assistance efforts. The goal is to sharpen the operational readiness of both armed forces in scenarios that could range from conventional warfare to disaster response.
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The Philippine Marine Corps, which is playing a key role in the exercises, explained that these drills are designed to enhance the interoperability of forces between the US and its regional partners. "KAMANDAG," the official name of the exercises, stands for "Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea" in Filipino. The term symbolizes the collaboration between nations to ensure security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
At the opening ceremony of the exercises, Major General Arturo Rojas, Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, emphasized that the drills are not just about military preparedness but also about fostering international trust and cooperation. "KAMANDAG is more than just defense. It is about building trust, fostering cooperation, and reinforcing the partnerships that allow us to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Rojas stated. His remarks underscored the enduring strength of the US-Philippines alliance and its broader ties with other allied nations participating in the exercises.
The timing of the drills is particularly significant, as joint naval exercises involving the Philippines, the US, and four other countries are currently underway off the coast of northern Luzon, another area of strategic importance. The coordinated efforts reflect the Philippines' and the US's determination to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, despite growing challenges from China's assertive military posture in the region.
For decades, the US and the Philippines have been bound by a Mutual Defense Treaty, which obligates both nations to come to each other’s defense in the event of an attack. The treaty has underpinned a series of joint military exercises over the years, aimed at enhancing the combat readiness and mutual cooperation of the two allied forces.
The geopolitical significance of this latest round of exercises is hard to overstate. With China's military maneuvers in the region raising alarm in capitals around the world, the US and its regional allies are responding with shows of strength and unity. Through KAMANDAG and other joint exercises, the US, the Philippines, and their partners are sending a clear message: they are prepared to defend peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most contested regions.
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