PH observes US, Australia-led military exercise

The Philippines is sending observers for the first time to the Talisman Sabre, a multinational military exercise led by the Australia and United States, which is being presented as a display of unity among Washington’s allies amid China’s assertiveness in the region. The presence of three military officers—one each from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Education Training and Doctrine Command, Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, and from the Philippine Marine Corps—is part of an intent of sending participants to the biennial exercise in the near future, AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Enrico Ileto said on Sunday. More than 30,000 troops from Canberra and Washington, as well as 13 other nations including Japan, Canada, France and South Korea, are taking part in the largest ever iteration of Talisman Sabre, which opened in Sydney on Friday and will run until Aug. 4. India, Singapore and Thailand have also sent observers.

—Frances Mangosing