France and Philippines Military Will Land in Batanes Province Near Taiwan (Feb. 12, 2024)

France and Philippines Military Will Land in Batanes Province Near Taiwan (Feb. 12, 2024)

France will join in this year's Balikatan joint military exercises that will focus more on maritime in areas of the far-northern Philippines close to Taiwan. Balikatan,” which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog, got underway last year after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sought to allay public fears that a beefed-up American military presence in the country would unnecessarily draw the Southeast Asian country into a conflict in case China attacked Taiwan. Nothing details as to how many sailors and ships from the French Navy will join in the annual training. Areas being considered for the venue include the uninhabited Mavulis Island and Basco town in Batanes province. Because of the tension between Taiwan and China, Batanes has gained attention lately as a potential flashpoint in the geopolitical struggle between China and the U.S., its geopolitical rival and close ally of both Taiwan and the Philippines.

Видео France and Philippines Military Will Land in Batanes Province Near Taiwan (Feb. 12, 2024) канала U.S. Military District