LAOAG, Philippines (AP) — In a dramatic display of military might, forces from the United States, Australia, and the Philippines joined together to sink a ship in the waters facing the disputed South China Sea. The high-precision rockets, artillery fire, and airstrikes were part of the largescale war drills known as Balikatan, which have raised tensions with Beijing.
The annual combat-readiness drills, which began on April 22 and will end on Friday, involved more than 16,000 military personnel from the United States and the Philippines, supported by Australian troops and military observers from 14 countries. The exercises took place in Laoag City, in the northern home province of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The decision to focus on external defense comes as China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea have become a top concern for the Philippines. President Marcos has aligned with President Joe Biden’s efforts to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China’s influence.
China has repeatedly harassed Philippine navy and coast guard ships in the disputed waters, leading to minor collisions and injuries to Filipino personnel. The Philippines, backed by the U.S. and its allies, has cited a 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidating China’s claims in the South China Sea.
The sinking of the mock enemy ship during the drills sent a clear message of solidarity between the U.S. and the Philippines in the face of Chinese aggression. The maneuvers were aimed at bolstering coastal defense and disaster-response capabilities, according to Philippine military officials.
The ongoing military drills and deepening security alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines have drawn strong opposition from China, which has warned against interference in territorial disputes. The Philippines, however, remains steadfast in its commitment to defend its sovereignty and territorial interests.