Soldiers from the Philippine Army and the U.S. Army began three weeks of joint military drills on Monday, focused on territorial defense and large-scale force deployments, the Philippine Army announced.
The exercises, part of this year’s Exercise Salaknib, involve around 5,000 soldiers from both nations. The first phase of the drills will concentrate on warfighting and the exchange of military expertise, with a second phase set for later in the year.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to travel to Manila this week to meet with Philippine officials and military leaders, the Pentagon confirmed.
The joint exercises will enhance combined operations, live-fire exercises, large-scale maneuvers, and territorial defense, according to the Philippine Army. The Salaknib exercises, which began in 2016, are part of the broader Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) training series between the two treaty allies.
Security ties between the U.S. and the Philippines have strengthened under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has pivoted closer to the United States. Marcos has prioritized defending the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the South China Sea, where tensions with China have been escalating over Beijing's actions in the disputed region.
Hegseth’s visit is the first by a U.S. Cabinet official since President Donald Trump took office in January. The Philippines also secured an exemption from the 90-day funding freeze imposed by Trump earlier this year, allowing it to receive $336 million for the modernization of its security forces.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with U.S. Ambassador David Perdue on Tuesday in a meeting that underscored both the hope for improved bilateral relations and the mounting strain over critical mineral exports.
Donald Trump acknowledged his personal liking for Chinese President Xi Jinping but described him as a tough negotiator, amid ongoing disputes over tariffs and trade agreements between the U.S. and China.
Iran’s supreme leader dismissed a key U.S. demand to halt uranium enrichment but did not close the door on further negotiations, as nuclear talks continue amid rising regional tensions.
The White House congratulated South Korea on a fair election but voiced concern over potential Chinese influence as liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung assumes the presidency.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue on Tuesday, welcoming him to his post and emphasising the crucial need for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect to navigate the current "important and critical juncture" in bilateral relations.
A U.S. district judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of the wife and five children of the suspect in a recent firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns over due process and potential irreparable harm.
The ruling Fidesz party has delayed debate and voting on a controversial bill that would impose strict controls on NGOs and media receiving foreign funding, citing internal party discussions and external pressure.
The S&P 500 barely budged Wednesday as weak job and service sector data revealed the economic fallout from President Trump’s trade war tactics.
After Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia's nuclear-capable bombers, Trump and Putin held a tense phone call warning of escalation and reigniting concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
A cargo ship carrying around 800 electric vehicles caught fire off Alaska, forcing its 22 crew members to abandon the vessel amid rising concerns over maritime EV fires.
Brazil’s economy is expected to have regained momentum in the first quarter of 2025, driven by a surge in household spending and private investment, according to a Reuters poll of economists conducted from May 21–26.
As peace talks progress, voices from Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Baku reveal hopes, concerns, and expectations for a future shaped by trade, trust, and generational change in the South Caucasus.
In a major blow to one of President Donald Trump’s key economic policies, a US federal court has blocked the administration’s sweeping global tariff regime, ruling that the White House overstepped its constitutional authority.
A bridge collapse in the Vygonichsky district of Russia’s Bryansk region, near the Ukrainian border, caused a train derailment and a traffic accident early Sunday, killing at least seven people and leaving 30 injured, according to emergency services.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has confirmed it carried out a third targeted attack against the Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, early Tuesday morning, marking a new escalation in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Philippines has inked a $700 million agreement with South Korea's KAI to acquire 12 advanced FA-50 fighter jets by 2030, enhancing its military capabilities amid regional tensions.
The Trump administration may roll out a $1,000 fee to fast-track visa interviews, raising legal concerns from within the State Department.
A U.S. district judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of the wife and five children of the suspect in a recent firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns over due process and potential irreparable harm.
The ruling Fidesz party has delayed debate and voting on a controversial bill that would impose strict controls on NGOs and media receiving foreign funding, citing internal party discussions and external pressure.
After Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia's nuclear-capable bombers, Trump and Putin held a tense phone call warning of escalation and reigniting concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
A U.S. district judge has temporarily blocked the deportation of the wife and five children of the suspect in a recent firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, citing concerns over due process and potential irreparable harm.
The ruling Fidesz party has delayed debate and voting on a controversial bill that would impose strict controls on NGOs and media receiving foreign funding, citing internal party discussions and external pressure.
The S&P 500 barely budged Wednesday as weak job and service sector data revealed the economic fallout from President Trump’s trade war tactics.
After Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia's nuclear-capable bombers, Trump and Putin held a tense phone call warning of escalation and reigniting concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
A cargo ship carrying around 800 electric vehicles caught fire off Alaska, forcing its 22 crew members to abandon the vessel amid rising concerns over maritime EV fires.
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