The Philippines and the United States have launched their annual joint military exercise, Balikatan, in Manila, involving more than 17,000 troops and participants from several countries including Japan, Australia and Canada.
The drills come amid rising fuel prices and a national energy emergency in the Philippines. Protests were held outside the military headquarters, with demonstrators opposing the presence of US forces and warning it could increase the risk of conflict.
Critics argue the exercises serve US strategic interests rather than local needs, while the government continues defense cooperation with United States despite public concerns.
Credit : CGTN
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