On Monday ( Mar 24 ), soldiers from the Philippine and the US armies began three weeks of joint military exercises, with drills focused on territorial defense and commanding large-scale deployments of forces, according to the Philippine Army.
In the first step of this year’s Exercise Salaknib, about 5, 000 men from the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific may participate in combat and training exercises. Later this time, a second stage is planned.
According to the Pentagon’s announcement last week, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit Manila this week to match with Asian leaders and causes.
The Philippine Army said in a statement that the exercises will concentrate on strengthening combined activities between their troops, large-scale movements, live-fire activities, and territorial defense.
The two treaty allies hold annual engagements called Salaknib exercises, which started in 2016 and are a part of the larger Balikatan ( shoulder-to-shoulder ) training drills.
Under Spanish President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has shifted more oath to the United States, safety relations between the two countries have increased significantly.
Marcos has prioritized upholding the Philippines ‘ right to self-determination in the South China Sea and has consistently fought with China over its activities in the contested lake, including Beijing’s constant presence close to disputed capabilities in Manila’s sea area.
Hegseth is the first Cabinet standard to travel to Manila since January when US President Donald Trump took office.
Under President Joe Biden, Lloyd Austin, who was the defence minister, had predicted that the United States ‘ relationship with the Philippines may transcend alterations in administrations.
The Philippines was granted a 90-day money ice by Trump in order to obtain US$ 336 million to upgrade its safety forces.