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The joint military exercise conducted by Australian and Filipino forces with the backing of U.S. Marines, involved a comprehensive simulation of recapturing an island that had been seized by hostile forces.
This exercise was carried out on the northwestern coast of the Philippines, situated adjacent to the disputed South China Sea. The maneuvers encompassed a range of actions such as simulated beach landings, assaults, and the insertion of troops via helicopters.
The participation included 1,200 Australian military personnel, 560 Filipino troops, and 120 U.S. Marines. This high-profile event was attended by the Philippine President and the Australian Defense Minister, who observed the drills.
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The primary objective of the military exercise was not directed at China but rather at enhancing preparedness for diverse potential scenarios. Given the volatile and unpredictable nature of the South China Sea, the participating nations—Australia, the Philippines, and the U.S.—underscored their dedication to upholding a global order based on established rules and norms.
They emphasized their commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means. Additionally, the joint nations voiced their support for a significant legal ruling issued in 2016 by an arbitration tribunal. This ruling invalidated China’s expansive territorial claim over the South China Sea and upheld the Philippines’ rights to exploit resources within its exclusive economic zone.
Recent tensions in the region included an incident where a Chinese coast guard vessel attempted to block a Philippine supply operation. In response, both Australia and the U.S. expressed their concern and reiterated their support for the Philippines.
The U.S. emphasized its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the Philippines through its defense obligations, which extend to potential attacks in the South China Sea. The South China Sea continues to be a region marked by contentious disputes involving several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
These territorial disagreements carry broader implications, intersecting with the larger geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China.
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Source: ABC
