look news india
The Philippine Army today began a two-week military exercise amid rising Chinese tensions in the South China Sea. In this exercise, the Philippine Army will also practice capturing an island which is disputed with China.
More than 3,000 Army, Navy and Air Force personnel will participate
Due to this step of Philippines, there is a possibility of increasing tension in the South China Sea once again. China has not yet responded to the issue, but experts believe that this move by the Philippines may increase tension in the region. The Philippine military said more than 3,000 army, navy and air force personnel would participate in the exercise. An Army statement said that this exercise is not against any country but to strengthen the preparations.
Preparation to compete with China
China claims the entire South China Sea. In this regard, China has rapidly increased its military strength in the last few years and is very aggressive in its claims in the South China Sea. China's claim has been opposed by Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Taiwan and there have been several clashes between the navies of these countries over it. In October itself, Indonesia had said that its patrol ships had driven away the Chinese coast guard ship. The Chinese ship was trying to interfere with an Indonesian boat surveying a part of the South China Sea.
What did the Philippine Army say?
Launching the exercise, the Army Chief of the Philippines said that the purpose of this exercise is to prepare its army to respond to any external threat. The Army Chief said that whoever tries to challenge our sovereignty will be responded to. Asked how China would react to Philippine military exercises, Army Colonel Logico said, “We hope the Chinese military will watch from a distance, but they will not retaliate.” The Army said the exercise will include live fire drills, artillery and assault rifles as well as beach landing practice.
China is against military exercises in this area
China is against any kind of military exercises in the region and has expressed strong objection, especially when it involves US forces. The US has signed military agreements with several countries to reduce Chinese interference in the region, due to which it has increased its naval presence in the region. The US can also use naval bases in the Philippines under the US military agreement with the Philippines. Next year, the US and the Philippines plan their largest annual military exercises in the region, known as “Balikatan.” Taiwan's presence in the region makes it unsafe for China.
