US, Philippines, and allied forces begin annual Balikatan military exercises
The United States and the Philippines launched their annual Balikatan combat exercises on Monday, with more than 17,000 American and Filipino military personnel participating over nearly three weeks. The drills expanded this year to include Japan, France, and Canada, and will feature live-fire maneuvers in areas near the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait. China objected to the exercises, calling them an attempt to contain its rise.
Lightly covered so far
Too few outlets to map a left-right split. Here is each take as it stands.
“Philippines, US and allies start military exercises testing 'real‑world' readiness”
“U.S. and allied forces kick off combat drills with Philippines as China objects”
“US and allied forces kick off combat drills with Philippines despite US focus on Iran”