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U.S. and Filipino forces conducted their first integrated defense drills near the northern Philippines.
The drills, part of the annual "Balikatan" exercises, simulate a full-scale battle scenario to deter China’s ambitions in the South China Sea.
The exercises involve 17,000 personnel and focus on strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
Tensions rise as China claims control of Tiexian Reef (Sandy Cay), part of the Spratly Islands, which the Philippines also claims.
Chinese warships have been spotted near Philippine waters during the exercises.
The Philippine government has not yet officially responded to China’s claim over the reef.
Tiexian Reef
Also known as Sandy Cay is part of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
This 200 sq metre reef is situated near Thitu Island (also known as Pag-asa Island), where the Philippines maintains a military facility and a newly established coast guard base.
Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are a group of over 100 small islands and reefs in the South China Sea.
They are north of Malaysia and roughly halfway between Vietnam and the Philippines.
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