The drills, which started on April 22 and ended on May 8, involved over 16,000 military personnel from the United States and the Philippines, along with a few hundred Australian troops and military observers from 14 countries.

The display of firepower was watched by diplomats, military officials, and journalists in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, in the northern home province of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The drills have antagonized Beijing, who claims sovereignty over the South China Sea.

The Philippines, under President Marcos, is shifting its military focus from domestic anti-insurgency operations to external defense in response to China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

This strategic shift aligns with the United States and President Biden's administration's efforts to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China.

China has provoked the Philippines by harassing its navy and coast guard ships with water cannons, a military-grade laser, and blocking movements, resulting in minor collisions and injuries to Filipino personnel and damaged supply boats.

The Philippine ambassador to the US, Jose Romualdez, expressed concern over China's "bullying" in the South China Sea and the lack of resources for the Philippines to respond.

China claims the disputed waters as its territories, marked by 10 dashes on a map, and has expelled Philippine vessels from the area.

The Philippines, supported by the US and its allies, cites a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China's claims based on historical grounds.

Romualdez stated that they have turned to the US for help due to China's actions.

China refused to participate in a 2013 arbitration complaint filed by the Philippines and disregarded the ruling.

In a military exercise, the Philippine and US forces simulated an attack on a Chinese-made decommissioned ship.

After an hour of mock missile fire, smoke billowed from the ship and it began to sink.

Philippine officials stated that the drills were for bolstering coastal defense and disaster response, but China opposed any military exercises involving US forces in the region, fearing increased tensions and instability.

The United States and China have been at odds due to China's aggressive actions to protect its territorial claims in the South China Sea and its goal of annexing Taiwan.

In February 2022, the Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte's successor, Marcos, allowed US military forces to have a wider presence in four more Philippine military camps.

This move was opposed by China, as it would enable US forces to establish surveillance posts and staging grounds in areas near Taiwan and the South China Sea.

China has warned that the deepening security alliance between the US and the Philippines, along with their military drills, should not threaten its security or territorial interests or interfere with territorial disputes.

The Philippines is asserting its right to defend its sovereignty and territorial interests in response to China's actions.

According to Romualdez, an alliance is crucial to demonstrate the Philippines' capability to resist China's advances, despite China's military superiority.