China condemns US F-35 fighter jet test in Philippines

 

China condemns US F-35 fighter jet test in Philippines

The United States is expanding its military presence in the Philippines. The fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet recently flew in Manila, Philippines.

According to the EurAsian Times, the fighter jets took part in the 'Cope Thunder 252' air training between the two countries from July 9 to 18.

The training will involve 225 members of the US Air Force and 2,300 members of the Philippine Air Force. The Philippine Air Force will also use various types of helicopters, including fighter jets, in the training.

The US Air Force said in a statement that the military training is aimed at strengthening the defense systems of both countries.

China's territorial disputes with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan over the South China Sea are not new. Countries have been fighting over the South China Sea for a long time.

Through a series of military exercises and deployments, it is becoming a battleground in the Indo-Pacific. The region is of great importance to the US because of its interest in the region.

Meanwhile, China has reacted strongly to the US military exercises with the Philippines and the US military presence in the region. They have already tested ballistic missiles in the Indo-Pacific.