U.S.-Philippines "Shoulder to Shoulder" military exercise simulates "full combat scenario," China issues stern warning: Those who play with fire will get burned.
The Philippines and the United States launched a large-scale joint military exercise on Monday, April 21.
The annual joint military drill, codenamed "Balikatan," involves approximately 9,000 U.S. troops and 5,000 Philippine troops. In addition, soldiers from Japan, Australia, France, the UK, Poland, and the Netherlands also participate in the exercise.
This exercise, which is the 40th "Balikatan" drill since 1991, will last from April 21 to May 9. The U.S. and Philippine militaries stated that the exercise will involve fighter jets, warships, and various advanced weapon systems, such as the Marine Corps anti-ship missile system and the remotely operated Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS).
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun criticized the Philippines and other countries for conducting military exercises, which undermine regional stability and economic development: "The Philippines, together with extra-regional countries, is vigorously conducting military exercises, introducing and deploying strategic and tactical weapons, undermining regional strategic stability, damaging the growth prospects of the region's economy, and openly standing against the countries in the region, which has caused strong resentment and opposition from regional countries."
Guo Jiakun said, "We advise relevant parties not to provoke on the Taiwan issue; those who play with fire will get burned."
Source: DW via Reuters, AP
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1830055106843651/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.