US, Philippines begin largest-ever drills after China exercises

bbc ^ | 04/10/2023 | Kelly Ng and Joel Guinto

[BenLurkin]

The US drills had been earlier planned.

Filipino and US officials say the drills show their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region that is open and free.

Washington announced last month that their annual Balikatan exercise with the Philippines would be their largest ever - involving more than 17,000 troops, including 12,000 from the US.

The two-week Balikatan operation will also see the militaries execute a drill to blow up a mock target warship in the South China Sea - a move that could incur China's wrath.

The exercises, however, should not be viewed as a response to developments in Taiwan, US and Filipino military officials said.

...

The focus of the Balikatan drills have evolved in recent years reflecting a shift in geo-security concerns in the region. In the 2000s, it centred on counter terrorism drills after extremist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda carried out bomb attacks in southern Philippines.

However, China's rapid military expansion and claims on territory in the disputed South China Sea, particularly on several Philippine islands, has prompted a wider response.

The Philippines' role in security in the region has grown. Many believe increased US access to Philippine bases could provide launchpads for combat operations in the event of armed clashes over flashpoints like Taiwan or the South China Sea.

[griffin]

I figured Pootie would be nuking us in the not too distant future. Or maybe EMPing us.

It’s starting to look like China might beat him to the punch.

[ifinnegan]

You sound like you like the idea.

[McGruff]

Keep stirring the pot.

[Samurai_Jack]

[Billthedrill]

The two-week Balikatan operation will also see the militaries execute a drill to blow up a mock target warship in the South China Sea - a move that could incur China's wrath.

Look for a Filipino ship launching. That sends the message. The Chinese know we can do it.

Cold War stuff. It was never really over.

[griffin]

You sound like a presumptuous, poor judge of character.

[ifinnegan]

I hope so in this case.

[noiseman]

A single Arleigh Burke destroyer is a fearsome weapon, capable of taking on multiple targets, from ships, to subs, to incoming anti-ship missiles, to aircraft simultaneously. They can even intercept ballistic missiles if carrying the right load out. And that’s one ship; we have many of them.

Of course, the one sad caveat is that this all holds true assuming some woke tranny doesn’t steer the ship into the nearest oil tanker first.

[Psalm 73]

"The Philippines' role in security in the region has grown."

The Philippines military strength is similar to Peru, other than US access to their bases (built by us in the 1st place), they have zero value as an ally.

Large population, practically zero combat power - mainly just for insurgent protection.

[griffin]

Well.

Okie Dokie then.

Glad we got THAT straightened out.

[SgtHooper]

We won’t scare the Roosians looking like a Benny Hill squad!