INTERNATIONAL

美国扩大在南海附近的军事存在

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The United States and the Philippines are deepening defense cooperation near the South China Sea, focusing on Balabac, a strategic island group close to disputed waters and the Spratly area. Balabac hosts a 300-hectare Philippine air base designated in 2023 as an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement site, giving U.S. forces access. According to Reuters, the 2026 Balikatan joint exercises will run from April 20 to May 8, involve more than 17,000 troops, and include Japan, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Australia. The drills occur amid rising tensions with China, which has tightened control around Scarborough Shoal using ships and a floating barrier.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.