This change comes after maritime disputes between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.

Over 16,000 military personnel, along with 250 Australian and French forces, are participating in Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises, which will run until May 10.

For the first time in the drills' 30-year history, the Philippines and US will conduct joint naval exercises beyond the 12 nautical miles of the Philippines' territorial waters, in areas claimed by China.

The military chiefs of both countries described the exercises as a symbol of unity and partnership.

Romeo Brawner Jr. spoke at the opening ceremony of Balikatan exercise, emphasizing the strong partnership between the US and Philippines based on shared history, commitment to democracy, and respect for international law.

During the three-week training, soldiers from both militaries will work together out of a joint command center, focusing on countering maritime, air, land, and cyber attacks.

This marks the first time the exercises will extend beyond the 12-nautical mile limit.

The exercises are not targeted at any specific country but aim to enhance interoperability through increased complexity of drills and scenarios.

The Philippines and China have been involved in several territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with incidents including Chinese coast guard use of water cannons against a Philippine vessel, resulting in damage and injuries.

In response, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to take countermeasures against "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks." Both countries have overlapping claims in the resource-rich waterway, a major commerce and oil transit route.

Marcos emphasized that the Philippines seeks no conflict but will not be silenced or submissive.

Beijing has been increasing its military activity in the West Philippine Sea, disregarding a 2016 international tribunal ruling that dismissed China's expansive claims.

In response, the Philippines is holding its annual Balikatan military exercises, which this year involve complex maritime security issues such as recovering islands from hostile forces, reflecting Manila's commitment to protect its sovereignty and rights within its exclusive economic zone.

The text suggests that China's efforts to secure the West Philippine Sea (WPS) based on international law will conflict with its expansionist interests in the region.

The Balikatan military exercises, aimed at enhancing joint preparedness among countries in the face of emerging challenges, highlight the significance of addressing China's expansionist behavior as a major security concern in the area.