FRANCE 24 report: Over 17,000 US and allied troops take part in Balikatan drills

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The largest-ever joint military exercises known as Balikatan are currently being conducted by over 17,000 US and allied troops in the Philippines, aimed at enhancing regional security amidst rising Chinese assertiveness. This year's drills include French troops, marking a significant collaboration between countries.

Over the past few weeks, US and Philippine forces have been engaged in their largest-ever joint military exercises. Known as Balikatan, the drills are taking place across the Philippines and are designed to boost regional security as Beijing grows increasingly assertive in the region. This year’s exercises have also featured French troops for the first time since Paris signed a Visiting Forces Agreement with Manila. FRANCE 24’s Jan Camenzind Broomby reports from the Philippines.