US And Philippines Conduct Joint Amphibious Exercises

CLAVERIA, PHILIPPINES - MARCH 31: A Philippine amphibious assault vehicle lets off smoke as it maneuvers toward a beach during a joint amphibious assault exercise as part of the annual 'Balikatan' (shoulder-to-shoulder) US-Philippines war exercises, off the waters of South China Sea on March 31, 2022 in Claveria, Cagayan province, Philippines. This year’s exercise, which the two sides are billing as the largest ever with nearly 9,000 troops taking part, also comes at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty amid the Russia-Ukraine war and China’s continuing assertiveness in disputed territories of the South China Sea, including in areas claimed by the Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)