US and Philippine forces to conduct ‘full battle test’ in South China Sea

Financial Times - 21/04
Annual Balikatan exercises underline deepening security partnership between Washington and Manila

US and Philippine forces are to conduct their first “full battle test” for fighting together in flashpoints such as Taiwan or the South China Sea, in a reflection of Washington’s rapidly deepening military engagement with its oldest Asian ally.

This year’s Balikatan exercises, the two countries’ main bilateral annual drill starting on Monday, will combine elements practised over the past two years — such as targeting enem...
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