More than 17,000 soldiers are mobilized around the two major tension points in the region. Taiwan is a major focus, as well as the South China Sea. In this strategic area, Beijing claims sovereignty over several islands controlled in fact by the Philippines. According to Philippine General Fransisco Lorenzo, this edition of the annual exercises called Balikatan, or “shoulder to shoulder”, is the largest ever organized.
Approximately 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: regardless of the challenges 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 is also irritating to Beijing. Live firing exercises are scheduled. The Japanese armed forces will have to sink a World War II-era minesweeper using a cruise missile, as indicated by the Philippine spokesperson for the maneuvers, Dennis Hernandez.
Sino-Japanese relations have been particularly strained since the Japanese Prime Minister suggested that his country might intervene in case of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. France, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are participating in the exercises.
“The Asia-Pacific region needs peace and tranquility the most, and the least it needs is the intervention of external forces sowing division and confrontation,” said Guo Jiakun, the Chinese diplomatic spokesperson, urging different countries “not to play with fire.” These maneuvers are set to last a total of 19 days.
Source: [Original article source]
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