US and Philippines' huge military drill begins

Kathmandu: A huge military drill has started between the US and the Philippines.

The exercise between the US and the Philippines, which begin on Tuesday, is reported to be the largest–ever military joint drill.

The US and Filipino officials said that the earlier planned drills were part of the commitment to establishing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

More than 17000 troops have been part of the military exercise. About 12, 200 troops from the US and 5,400 Philippines armed forces (AFP) have been part of the drill. The representatives of Balikatan and Australia are also reported to be part of the program.

The drill also includes the blowing up of one target warship and live fire in the South China Sea.

The military officials of both nations have asked not to take the two-week Balikatan operation as a response to the drills of China in Taiwan.

The US had sent the USS Milius to the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, passing the Spratly Island.

China has been claiming the waterways in the South China Sea and also around the Philippines. China has warned the US-Philippines military cooperation not to interfere in the South China Sea disputes.

The military drill between US and America started just one day after China completed its three-day drill around Taiwan.

The US-Philippines drill will finish on 28^th April.