More than 17,000 soldiers are mobilized around the two major points of tension in the region. Taiwan is of course, but also the South China Sea. In this strategic area, Beijing claims sovereignty over several islands controlled by the Philippines. According to Filipino General Francisco Lorenzo, this edition of the annual exercises called Balikatan, or “shoulder to shoulder,” is the largest ever organized.
Some 10,000 American soldiers are mobilized. Washington wants to show that its involvement in the Middle East does not mean neglecting the region. “Let me be clear: whatever challenges there may be elsewhere in the world, the United States’ focus on the Indo-Pacific and our unwavering commitment to the Philippines remain steadfast,” explains American Lieutenant General Christian Wortman.
In case of war, the United States could find itself in a difficult position against China, according to a report.
1,400 Japanese soldiers
The involvement of the Japanese army with 1,400 soldiers also annoys Beijing. Live firing exercises are scheduled to take place. The Japanese armed forces will have to sink a World War II-era minesweeper using a cruise missile, as indicated by the Philippine spokesman for the maneuvers, Dennis Hernandez.
Sino-Japanese relations have been particularly strained since the Japanese Prime Minister hinted that his country could intervene in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. France, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are joining the exercises.
“What the Asia-Pacific region needs most is peace and tranquility, what it needs the least is the intervention of external forces coming to sow division and confrontation,” said Chinese diplomat spokesman Guo Jiakun, urging different countries “not to play with fire.” These maneuvers are set to last a total of 19 days.
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