US-Philippine Forces Conduct Live Fire Drills at Sea Amid Rising Tensions in the South China Sea

The US and Philippines demonstrate their military power and alliance during the annual Balikatan exercises. For the first time, live fire drills at sea were conducted, with both armed forces firing missiles at a mock enemy warship in the South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr watched as a HIMARS fired rockets at a decommissioned navy corvette. The exercises, occurring across the Philippines, including locations facing Taiwan, were not targeted at any country according to military from both countries. The drills took place near the Scarborough Shoal, a contested maritime feature occupied by China for over a decade. The war games end on Friday with 17,000 troops and are the largest edition yet, signifying a rekindled relationship between defense treaty partners. Marcos will be meeting with US counterpart Joe Biden in Washington to discuss the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty amidst rising tensions. Beijing has criticized the military exercises, stating that they must not interfere in sea disputes or harm China’s territorial sovereignty and security interests. However, the Philippines and United States maintain their activities are for defense purposes only.