Marines and about 800 troops from the Philippines. Routine training; do them all the time. Do them with other partners in the region. These exercises are not aimed at anybody. The only thing they're aimed at is improving our own operability with our allies. end opt))


This year's maneuvers come as China and several Southeast Asian nations wrangle over competing claims to territories in and near the Spratlys, which are thought to be rich in oil and natural gas deposits.


China and Vietnam signed an agreement last week to reach a peaceful settlement on their competing claims.


The two sides agreed to open a hotline to deal with potential flare-ups in the South China Sea and to have their border negotiators meet regularly twice a year.


Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have overlapping maritime claims in the region.


Source: Philippine News Agency

US, Philippine Marines Launch Maneuvers in South China Sea