US, Philippines Begin Large-Scale Joint Military Drills to Bolster Defense Ties

Japan and South Korea participate in the exercises as 'observers'

Philippine marines amphibious assault vehicles maneouver next to a Philippine BRP Tarlac navy landing platform dock ship during a joint amphibious landing exercise with U.S. Marines at a beach facing the South China Sea in San Antonio town, Zambales province on Oct. 7, 2022. Ted Aljibe/AFP via Getty Images

The Philippines and U.S. Marines are conducting a two-week joint naval exercise to bolster military ties, while Japan and South Korea are participating in the drill as “observers” for the first time.

The Kamandag 6 is being held in the Philippine islands of Luzon, Batanes, and Palawan through Oct. 14. It involves 530 Philippine marines, 2,550 U.S. Marines, and 100 Philippine navy and air force personnel.