With 17,500 combined troops from the United States and Philippine military forces, the largest ever Balikatan Exercises kicked off on Tuesday, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. | JMangaluzINQ
During the ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, AFP’s general headquarters in Quezon City, AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino said that the exercises can help fast-track the military’s modernization.
According to the AFP, the Balikatan Exercises have four major events: command post exercise, cyber defense exercise, field training exercise, and humanitarian civic assistance. “Balikatan is an important opportunity to train shoulder-to-shoulder and build trust and confidence that enable our forces to respond to crises and contingencies as a team,” US exercise director representative Major General Eric Austin said.
While the Balikatan Exercises are expected to enhance defense capabilities, it has been met with apprehension from locals. Coastal villages in Zambales expressed fear that the war games would negatively affect their livelihood.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WATCH: Philippines, US kick off Balikatan exercise 2023The major events will include command post, cyber defense, and field exercises, and humanitarian civic assistance.
Read more »
Hontiveros says PH shouldn’t be caught in US-China crossfire as ‘Balikatan’ beganThe Philippines should not be caught in the crossfire between the United States and China, Senator Risa Hontiveros said, as the largest-ever Balikatan military exercises kicked off in the country. | BPinlacINQ
Read more »
‘Combat-ready’ force in biggest ‘Balikatan’The Philippines and the United States will stage their biggest-ever military exercise over the next several days starting Tuesday and signal tighter defense cooperation, amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and toward Taiwan.
Read more »
Philippine, US to test ‘combat-ready’ force in biggest Balikatan exerciseThe Philippines and the United States will start their biggest military exercise on Tuesday to develop interoperability and improve capability.
Read more »
‘Combat-ready’ force in biggest ‘Balikatan’LOOK: Youth groups troop outside the US Embassy in Manila to protest against the PH-US Balikatan joint military exercise, which begins today, April 11. | 📷: Anakbayan/Twitter Read related story:
Read more »
China on Balikatan: US-PH cooperation must not interfere in sea dispute"Exchange and cooperation between relevant countries should not target any third party and should be conducive to regional peace and stability," Wang said at a press conference. "The US-Philippines military cooperation must not interfere in South China Sea disputes, still less harm China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests and security interests," he added.
Read more »