Philippines and U.S. kick off naval exercises amid China tension

Members of the Philippine, Japan, South Korea, and U.S. Marine carry national flags during the opening ceremony of the joint military exercises Kamandag or the “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea,” at the headquarters of Philippine Marine Corps, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 3, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

The armed forces of the United States and Philippines launched two weeks of joint naval exercises on Monday, reinforcing a close military alliance at a time of regional uncertainty over tensions between Washington and Beijing.

KAMANDAG, an acronym in Filipino for "Cooperation of the warriors of the sea", runs until Oct. 14, will involve 2,550 American and 530 Filipino troops and include island-based exercises in amphibious landings, live fire and humanitarian assistance.

U.S. allies Japan and South Korea are joining the exercises as observers. The Philippines and United States, which are bound by a 70-year-old Mutual Defence Treaty, have been holding exercises for decades.

A South Korean marine salutes while national anthems are played during the opening ceremony of the joint military exercises Kamandag or the “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea,” at the headquarters of Philippine Marine Corps, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 3, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)

South Korean Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jaisuk and U.S. Marine Colonel Chris Haar greet each other during the opening ceremony of the joint military exercises Kamandag or the "Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea," at the headquarters of Philippine Marine Corps, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 3, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Derek A. Trinque speaks during the opening ceremony of the joint military exercises Kamandag or the “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea,” at the headquarters of Philippine Marine Corps, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 3, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

Philippine Marine Brigadier General Raul Jesus Caldez and U.S. Marine Corporal Colonel Deric Ayers unfurl the flag during the opening ceremony of the joint military exercises Kamandag or the "Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea," at the headquarters of Philippine Marine Corps, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, October 3, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David