Smooth start - Philippines, US launch military drills amid South China Sea tensions


2692f3eed272fff4020169a6cf5e8cb1

MANILA, April 12 (Reuters): Philippine and US soldiers started two weeks of military exercises on Monday against a backdrop of rising tensions in the South China Sea, though the drills were reduced in scale due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The countries are proceeding with the exercises, which were postponed last year due to the pandemic, after Manila recently accused China of territorial incursions by hundreds of its vessels manned by militias in the South China Sea.

5.5 PAYDAY OFFER: 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.04/month

Billed as RM 9.04 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Aseanplus News

Over US$6.6mil lost by Singapore-based firm in business e-mail scam recovered by police
Japan, Philippines to launch working-level destroyer export talks
Indonesia warns of high waves up to 4 metres
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Tuesday (May 5, 2026)
Singaporean man allegedly linked to Cambodia scam ring arrested; two more Singaporean suspects wanted
Ultra-low-priced tours exploiting mainland Chinese visitors survive despite crackdown
Thailand's manufacturing sector growth slows in April as West Asia conflicts bites
Korean man who killed teen in Gwangju says he committed crime while contemplating suicide
Thai hot-shots Buriram United relishing hot semis against Malaysian super-heavyweights JDT in Asean Club Championship Shopee Cup
Daniel Wu's wife Lisa S hits back at age-shaming posts and ‘broke’ claims after return to spotlight

Others Also Read