The joint drills encompass simulations where US and Filipino troops collaborate to recapture islands, reflecting the maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.

A total of 16,700 Filipino and US troops commenced their annual joint military exercises in the Philippines on Monday. These exercises come at a time of heightened tensions with China, due to Beijing's increasing assertiveness in the region.

Known as Balikatan, or "shoulder to shoulder," the drills encompass maritime exercises and scenarios involving the retaking of "occupied" islands in the South China Sea.

Recent months have seen China and the Philippines locked in territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with Chinese coast guard vessels frequently engaging Philippine boats with water cannons.

Speaking at the opening ceremony in Manila, Lieutenant General William Jurney, the US Marine Corps Pacific commander, emphasized that the drills aim to demonstrate the strengthening cooperation between the US and Filipino militaries. He stressed that as this cooperation improves, the Philippines becomes stronger, safer, and more secure.

Before the drills, Philippine Colonel Michael Logico informed reporters, "The purpose of armed forces, why we exist, is really to prepare for war." He emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, "There's no sugarcoating it... for us not to prepare, that's a disservice to the country."

In a notable expansion, this year's exercises will include troops from the Australian and French military for the first time. Additionally, fourteen other countries from Asia and Europe will participate as observers. The exercises are scheduled to continue until May 10.

The US is a treaty ally of the Philippines and serves as a guarantor of its security in case of a potential conflict in the South China Sea.

The US has been bolstering its alliances with countries in the Asia-Pacific region in response to China's growing military ambitions.

President Joe Biden has on numerous occasions reiterated the US' "ironclad" support to the archipelago nation.

Earlier in April, President Biden pledged to defend the Philippines from any attack in the disputed maritime territory, as he hosted the first joint summit with Manila and Tokyo.

Washington and Manila are treaty allies and have deepened their defense cooperation since Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office in 2022.

Beijing has criticized the joint drills, saying they aggravate tensions and undermine regional stability.

US Marine Corps commander Jurney said that the exercises operate "based on international order and international law" and are
"well within" sovereign rights and responsibilities of the Philippines.