US and Philippines conduct largest-ever joint military drills amidst tensions with China.

The US military will hold its largest-ever drills with the Philippines, involving 17,000 troops, some of which will involve live ammunition. The drills come just one day after China ended its own exercises around Taiwan, which involved surrounding the island and carrying out simulated strikes. The Balikatan Exercise reflects the growing tensions between the US and China, as the latter continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea. The White House backed up House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, saying it was not out of the ordinary.