THOUSANDS of US and Filipino military personnel began annual combat drills today that have antagonised China, including a “full-scale battle scenario” to simulate the defence of the Philippine archipelago and seas.

The annual Balikatan military exercises are due to continue until May 9, involving about 9,000 US and 5,000 Filipino soldiers, sailors and air force personnel. Fighter jets, warships and an array of weaponry including a US marine anti-ship missile system will be involved, US and Philippine military officials said.

China has resolutely opposed such war drills in or near the disputed South China Sea and in northern provinces of the Philippines close to Taiwan, especially if they involve US and allied forces that Beijing says aim to contain it and, consequently, threaten regional stability and peace.

Philippine army Major General Francisco Lorenzo claimed that the drills were not aimed at any particular country.

The exercises include a mock allied counterassault against an enemy attack on an island, a barrage of artillery and missile fire to sink a mock enemy ship, joint naval manoeuvres in or near the disputed South China Sea and aerial combat surveillance, according to the Philippine military.

Australia plans deploy about 260 participants, an Australian military officer said, while several countries including Japan intend to send military observers.

A mid-range missile system, which was deployed to the northern Philippines by the US army last year, will be used again in the combat exercises, US and Philippine military officials said.

China has repeatedly expressed alarm over the missile deployment and demanded the weaponry’s withdrawal from Philippine territory, saying it could spark an arms race.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Manila last month and said the Trump administration would work with allies to deter Chinese “aggression” in the South China Sea.