Following China’s large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, the United States and the Philippines have initiated their own joint military drills. This comes after a collision between Chinese vessels and Philippine patrol boats. As a response, the U.S. and several allied countries deployed thousands of troops to conduct combined military exercises in the western and northern regions of the Philippines.

According to CBS News, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported a record-breaking 153 Chinese military aircraft conducting maneuvers around Taiwan, marking the highest number recorded in a single day as of 6 AM after 25 continuous hours of activity.

The annual “Kamandag” exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines focus on defending the northern coast of Luzon, which is approximately 500 miles from Taiwan. China has claimed that the military drills conducted on October 14 were intended as a stern warning to those advocating for Taiwanese independence.

Taiwan has condemned these Chinese exercises as irrational and provocative, while the U.S. has labeled them as unfounded. Major General Pat Ryder, a spokesperson for the Defense Department, described the Chinese “Joint Sword” exercises as irresponsible, excessive, and destabilizing.

In the days leading up to the U.S.-Philippines joint exercises, there was a reported collision between a Chinese Coast Guard vessel and a Philippine supply ship. This incident is part of a series of confrontations resulting from China’s claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea.

Arturo G. Rojas, the commander of the Philippine Task Force, emphasized during the opening ceremony of the exercises in Manila that both nations had long prepared for this joint operation, which has no connection to events in the Asia-Pacific region.

The “Kamandag” exercises include live-fire drills along the northern shores of Luzon, with additional activities taking place on Philippine islands between Luzon and Taiwan. Brigadier General Vicente Blanco, the overall commander of the Philippine exercises, stated that they adhere to coastal defense principles, simulating scenarios where invaders may threaten Philippine territory but are not meant to engage in the Taiwan conflict.

Colonel Stuart Glenn, representing the U.S. Marine Corps in the exercises, highlighted that the drills aim to assist the U.S. and its allies in responding to crises and emergencies. The exercises also extend to the island of Palawan, which faces the South China Sea.

Over a thousand soldiers from both the U.S. and the Philippines are participating, alongside smaller contingents from Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea. The exercises will also cover amphibious landings and defense against potential chemical or biological attacks.

Additionally, the Philippine government reported that the civilian patrol vessel BRP Datu Cabaylo sustained minor damage after being intentionally struck by a Chinese Coast Guard ship on October 11.