The United States and the Philippines have started their largest annual joint military exercises, with the drills taking place near the South China Sea as disputes with China continue to intensify. The expanded maneuvers underscore Washington and Manila’s effort to strengthen defense coordination in a region marked by overlapping territorial claims.

According to Reuters, the exercises began on Sunday and are the biggest of their kind held by the two allies to date. The timing comes as pressure remains high in the South China Sea, where Beijing, the Philippines and other regional actors have long contested control over islands, reefs and strategic sea lanes.

The drills are expected to cover a range of scenarios designed to improve interoperability between the two militaries. They also reflect deeper security ties between the U.S. and the Philippines at a moment when both governments are seeking to deter further escalation in the area.

The buildup around the South China Sea remains one of Asia’s most sensitive flashpoints, with any new military activity closely watched by regional governments and global powers alike. For Manila, the exercises signal a continued push to reinforce its defense posture as maritime tensions persist.