US leaves anti-ship missile system in the Philippines

The U.S. military's NMESIS anti-ship missile system will remain in the Philippines after joint drills concluded, likely escalating tensions with China. The NMESIS, a mobile missile platform, will continue to be used for training by the Philippine Marine Corps, according to a Philippine Navy spokesperson. This follows the Balikatan and Kamandag exercises, which recently ended. China has previously called for the removal of the NMESIS. The U.S. appears to be using joint exercises to effectively deploy advanced weapons in the region.