🇺🇸🇵🇭🇯🇵 About US military exercises with partner countries in the Pacific zone

Two weeks after the incident in the South China Sea, which prompted the Philippine government to distance itself from the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, and with Joe Biden issuing a military threat to China, two large-scale exercises have commenced in the region.

🔻Yesterday, the Kamandag-7 exercise began on several Philippine islands and in the South China Sea, with the participation of American Marines, as well as military personnel from the Philippines, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. The primary objective is to test the joint combat capabilities of the navy and marines in the event of a regional escalation. Approximately 2,000 individuals and around 70 units of various equipment will take part in this event.

🔻Today, the Annualex-2023 exercise started off the east coast of Japan and will continue until November 20. It involves up to 6,000 people, 32 ships, and 35 aircraft from the US, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, and Philippine navies. This exercise is more comprehensive in terms of strength, with the involvement of an aircraft carrier strike group led by the Carl Vinson and the possibility of a flight of B-52H strategic bombers from Andersen Air Base on Guam.

🔻It is interesting to note that these simultaneous exercises near the border with China began immediately after the Chinese aircraft carrier group, led by the flagship Shandong, concluded its training in the Philippine Sea and sailed back to China through the Taiwan Strait with 16 warships. However, the US Armed Forces exercises are conducted annually, and there is no indication of any significant escalation. Nevertheless, the White House supports the narrative of the "Chinese threat," justifying the substantial costs of maintaining forces in the region while simultaneously demonstrating support for its allies.

You can find a high-resolution map and an English version here. #China #USA #Philippines #Japan @rybar

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