US and Filipino marines kicked off 10 days of joint exercises in the Philippines as China held massive drills around Taiwan. The annual Kamandag exercises focus on defending Luzon’s north coast, 800 km from Taiwan. Amid escalating disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, the joint drills aim to enhance readiness for crises.
Philippine Marine Corps commandant stresses the planned nature of the exercises, emphasizing coastal defense doctrine without intentions to join any regional conflicts. The drills include live-fire exercises, amphibious landings, and responses to chemical and biological warfare. The US, Philippines, Australia, Britain, Japan, and South Korea are participating.
Meanwhile, a Philippine patrol vessel sustained minor damage after being hit by a “Chinese Maritime Militia” vessel in the Spratly group. China’s efforts to expand its presence in the South China Sea remain a contentious issue despite international disputes over its claims.
As tensions persist, the joint exercises promote regional security cooperation while highlighting the ongoing challenges in the contested waters.