US-Philippines military exercise begins in South China Sea

The US and the Philippines began their largest-ever military exercise in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait on Tuesday. China may be provoked by this exercise taking place in the disputed water area. More than 17,600 troops are participating in the exercise which will continue till April 28. This is being described as America's biggest show of strength in Asia. The joint military exercise between the US and the Philippines is taking place amid China's increasingly aggressive activities against Taiwan. The Biden administration is busy strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to confront China.

The possibility of conflict regarding Taiwan is also deepening. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has allowed US troops to build more military bases in the South China Sea to protect its territorial interests.