Chinese observers have expressed strong criticism of the latest joint military exercises held by the US and the Philippines, suggesting that these drills demonstrate Manila's dependence on external powers for support and confidence. They argue that the assertion of facing a "would-be aggressor" is misleading, emphasizing that the real implications of the drills are detrimental to peace in the region.
The Kamandag exercises, which have been a recurring event since 2017, kicked off their eighth iteration with participation from over 2,000 American troops and Filipino military personnel. In addition, several US allies, including Australia, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and France, are also involved, highlighting a significant collective effort. Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe noted that this year's exercises featured the largest number of participating nations yet, aligning closely with the US's strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Philippine military officials have stated that the Kamandag drills were planned well in advance and are fundamentally focused on coastal defense, indicating that they do not correlate with any actual regional tensions. Brigadier-General Vicente Blanco remarked that these exercises aim to prepare for potential threats, despite perceptions to the contrary. Zhang argues that such claims mislead both the Philippines and the global community, as there are no clear external invasions threatening the nation.
Moreover, there are concerns that these exercises serve as a platform for the Philippines to exhibit its international support, while the US utilizes this collaboration to reinforce its stance against China. Significant involvement from Japan is highlighted, with an increase in troop numbers reflecting its commitment to US interests, as Tokyo seeks avenues to expand its military presence abroad.
Experts caution that the ongoing US-Philippine joint drills in the South China Sea are likely to escalate tensions rather than promote stability, potentially leading the Philippines to take more provocative actions in the region.
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