US, Philippine joint combat drills show Trump is not scaling back on South China Sea region

Around 14,000 American and Filipino troops will engage in joint military exercises in the Philippines, showcasing the U.S.'s commitment to regional security. The 'Balikatan' drills, involving live-fire exercises and advanced weaponry, aim to enhance battle-readiness. Australia and Japan will also participate, while China has expressed concerns over the drills' proximity to the South China Sea and Taiwan.