MANILA, Philippines — The United States and the Philippines will double the size of their annual war games this month, with some exercises to be staged close to a South China Sea flashpoint, the Filipino military said Monday.
The 10-day exercises between the long-time allies will be held as fears grow in the Philippines that China is seeking to take control of the strategically vital and resource-rich sea.
Nearly 12,000 troops will be involved in this year's edition in several locations in the Philippines, including a naval station directly facing the disputed waters, military spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.
That number, which includes 6,600 American troops, compares with a total of 5,500 personnel who participated in last year's Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises, Cabunoc said.
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