Philippine and US forces conduct military exercises near Taiwan

The Guardian April 18, 2024, 02:00 AM UTC

Summary: Philippine and US forces will conduct their first military exercises outside the country's territorial waters, involving 16,700 soldiers simulating retaking enemy-occupied islands in areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea. China warned against external forces in the region. The drills will include a French contingent and observers from 14 nations. The exercises aim to enhance communication amid tensions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

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Timeline:

  1. [2.8]
    Balikatan exercise includes France, Philippines, US in maritime drills (Rappler)
    10d
  2. [2.9]
    Balikatan 38-202 drills commence, sinking decommissioned oil tanker (Rappler)
    13d
  3. [4.3]
    Philippine Navy monitors Chinese vessels during Exercise Balikatan 2024 (Rappler)
    13d
  4. [4.4]
    Zhang Youxia warns against military escalation in South China Sea (The Guardian)
    14d
  5. [4.2]
    Maritime exercises in West Philippine Sea enhance collaboration and readiness (The Manila Times)
    15d
  6. [3.9]
    2024 Balikatan exercises near Taiwan prepare for China conflict (GMA News Online)
    19d
  7. [4.7]
    Balikatan military exercise strengthens Philippines-US defense against China (The Washington Post)
    19d
  8. [2.7]
    Consider Japan in Balikatan exercises; Marcos criticizes past officials (Inquirer.net)
    20d