Defense News reports that “thousands of US and Filipino troops will on Monday launch annual war games that this year are being seen as a show of strength in the face of China’s increasing assertiveness in the region.”  

“The 11-day Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises are expected to show how the Philippines, though severely outgunned, can counter China with the help of the United States, its longest-standing ally.”  

“China has in recent months built massive structures including radar systems and an airstrip over reefs and outcrops in the contested South China Sea, sparking international concern.”