The joint drills include simulations of US and Filipino troops recapturing islands as Manila and Beijing contest maritime territory in the South China Sea.
Some 16,700 Filipino and US troops began annual joint military exercises in the Philippines on Monday, amid tensions with China over Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the region.
The exercises, dubbed Balikatan, or “shoulder to shoulder,” include testing weaponry and equipment.
This year, the drills also include the mock retaking of “occupied” islands in the South China Sea.
In recent months, China and the Philippines have been at odds over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with Chinese coast guard vessels frequently harassing Philippine boats with water cannons.
Bloody well yes it is… I don’t know if you’re Filipino or anything but it does matter to Filipinos it’s pretty freaking important every single time because when ya get comfortable about it is the time China is going to freaking try to take it all, so yes every single piece of information is important. Every time.