The recent US–Philippines Balikatan military exercise was a response to China’s increased aggression in the South China Sea. China had been targeting both Filipino military personnel and small-scale fisherfolk in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China’s provocations had become indiscriminate and bolder, making it difficult to ignore the situation. The 38th Balikatan exercise in April 2023 was the biggest in the three-decade history of their joint combat drills. However, it received a swift warning from Beijing who called for the cessation of such activities, stating that they could aggravate tension in the area. The United States and the Philippines conducted…
Source link : China’s strong-arming won’t work in Marcos’ Philippines by East Asia Forum
