Philippines, US begin two-week joint military drill amid tensions in South China Sea ANI | Updated: Apr 12, 2021 15:48 IST
Manila [Philippines], April 12 (ANI): Over the next two weeks, the Philippines armed forces will hold joint exercises with hundreds of US soldiers amid growing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea.
According to Arab News, nearly 1,700 Filipino and American military personnel will take part in the joint exercises.
Unlike in previous years, the Balikatan exercises 2021 (BK-21) will not be open to the public as part of safety protocols to limit the spread of coronavirus. The exercises officially start tomorrow and will last for about two weeks, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana told reporters on Sunday.