Joint US-Philippine Exercise Preparation for China Confrontation?

ANTIQUE, Philippines – About 5,000 U.S. troops recently joined with forces from the Philippines for a large-scale military exercise. The long-time allies insist the event is not directly aimed as a response to China's growing aggression in its territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea, but the Philippines is clearly intent on improving its defense capabilities.

An amphibious landing to secure Philippines' territory is one simulated scenario in the joint exercises between U.S. and Philippine armed forces.

Called Balikatan 16, which in Filipino means standing shoulder-to-shoulder or sharing the load together, the joint exercise is regularly performed as part of the U.S.-Philippines' mutual defense treaty.

A main feature of the exercise is the use of state-of-the-art 21st century weaponry, such as new mobile rocket launch systems and jet fighters the Philippines may need if China continues to flex its muscles in the region.

Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, the Philippine director of the exercise, says it's what's needed.

"We need to level up our capabilities, but we also need to train them how to handle these new hardware," Lopez told CBN News. "It's late, but with the cooperation and with our alliance partners we will get there."

The joint war games took place just before a possible U.N. tribunal decision on the Philippines' challenge to Chinese territorial claims.

In recent months, China has built massive structures, radar systems and airstrips on contested reefs and outcrops the Philippines say belongs to them. That's because they are situated within its exclusive 270 nautical mile zone recognized under international law.

Although Philippine and U.S. officials insist the Balikatan 16 exercises are not a response to China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea, analysts see the exercise as preparation to confront China if necessary.

"We cannot deny that we have an issue at West Philippine Sea and the presence of our friends from the United States of course is a big help to our country when it comes to deterrence, when it comes to the actions of China at the West Philippine Sea," Lt. Col. Gary Alejano, a reserve Marine Corps officer, told CBN News.

"The United States Marine Corps has been known for its abilities to conduct amphibious operations and maritime security operations – iron clad," said U.S. exercise director Lt. Gen. John Toolan Jr.. "The president came here and said that three months ago the alliance and the relationship of the Philippines and the United States is iron clad. We make sure security is there. All it takes is just a phone call for somebody to come help."

The Philippines is increasing its military engagements with the U.S. under the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. It's part of President Barack Obama's plan to reassert U.S. influence not only in the Philippines, but throughout the Asian Pacific.