US, Philippines Launch Military Drills | WPN World People News

The U.S. and Philippine militaries have launched a large, 10-day, annual military exercise amid increasing tensions in the disputed South China Sea.

Officials said at the opening ceremony Monday that this year's drills, known as "Balikiton," will focus on maritime security.

Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said tensions in the region had increased in recent years because of expansive maritime and territorial disputes.

He did not mention China, but Beijing has been increasingly aggressive about asserting territorial claims on disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Washington and Manila signed a defense deal last week that gives U.S. troops more access to bases in the Philippines.

Speaking to U.S. and Philippine troops in Manila on Tuesday, President Barack Obama said "all nations and peoples have the right to live in security and peace and have their sovereignty and territorial integrity respected."

Source: Voice of America