What's happened
The Philippines and the US are conducting joint military exercises, known as Balikatan, as Manila strengthens its defensive capabilities amid rising tensions with China in the South China Sea. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has affirmed the country's commitment to invoking its defense treaty with the US in the event of a foreign attack on Filipino soldiers.
Why it matters
The joint military exercises between the Philippines and the US, along with Manila's stance on invoking the defense treaty, underscore the strategic importance of the region and the ongoing efforts to counter Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea. The drills and military aid signify a unified front in safeguarding territorial integrity and regional stability.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights the acquisition of missile systems by the Philippines and the proposal for additional US military aid, emphasizing the defensive nature of the Balikatan exercises. In contrast, The Independent focuses on the territorial defense aspect of the drills and the US commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty. The Guardian reports on China's response to the joint exercises, warning against militarization in the South China Sea.
How we got here
Tensions between the Philippines and China have escalated in the South China Sea due to territorial disputes, with incidents involving Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine navy personnel. The annual Balikatan exercises aim to enhance military cooperation and readiness, with a focus on territorial defense and security in the region.
Common question
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of about 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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