‘Mega drills’: US and Philippines test missile deployments to counter China

U.S. officials are “testing the feasibility” of converting naval missile systems into land-based platforms in the Philippines, an American ally that faces a tense territorial dispute with China. 

“We are testing the feasibility of bringing this weapon system by air and offloading [it] into a secure and established space,” Philippine Army Col. Michael Logico told reporters this week.

Logico offered that insight as Philippine forces prepare for a major joint military exercise with the United States, Australia, and France. The annual drill, known as Balikatan, will take place in the South China Sea after weeks of confrontations with Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels that have blocked Philippine forces from delivering supplies to outposts in the disputed area — a context not lost on Chinese

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