The Philippines and the United States on Tuesday opened their largest-ever joint military exercises, which will involve rocket bombardment to sink a decommissioned navy ship and simulate the recapture of an island, amid China’s growing assertiveness in the region. More than 17,000 Filipino and American troops are taking part in the annual exercises dubbed “Balikatan,” Filipino for “shoulder to shoulder,” which for the first time will include a live-fire drill in waters off Zambales province.

Mangosing, F. (2023, April 12). 'Balikatan' levels up for PH maritime defense. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A3.