US and Philippines conduct largest joint military exercise in disputed waters.

The US and the Philippines have launched their largest joint military exercise in decades, involving more than 1,700 troops from both countries. The exercise, called Balikatan, will focus on enhancing the two countries' ability to respond to crises and will include training in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance. The exercise comes amid tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.