MANILA — The Philippines hailed the start of major war games with the U.S. on April 16 as a timely boost to their military alliance, amid a tense territorial dispute with China.
More than 6,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers will take part in the 12 days of exercises across the Philippines, which come as the host nation is embroiled in a dispute with China over rival claims to the South China Sea.
At an opening ceremony for the exercises in Manila, Philippines' armed forces chief Jessie Dellosa did not specifically mention China but said the war games highlighted strong U.S. support for its weaker ally at a crucial moment.
Read the full story at DefenseNews