Philippines Holds Counter Landing Simulation As Part Of Balikatan Military Exercises

LAOAG, PHILIPPINES - MAY 06: U.S. troops watch as a Javelin missile hits a target at sea during a counter landing live fire exercise as part of U.S.-Philippines joint military exercises on May 06, 2024 in Laoag, Ilocos Norte province, Philippines. The Philippines and the United States initiated their largest Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) joint military exercises, involving 16,000 troops, with drills extending beyond the Philippines' territorial sea into the contentious South China Sea, directly opposing China's broad claims. The exercises also include drills in the Philippines' northern Cagayan province, near Taiwan. These war games follow an incident where the Philippines accused China of attacking their ships with water cannons near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, damaging vessels and injuring crew members. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)