Philippines And U.S. Hold Joint Military Exercises

MABALACAT, PHILIPPINES - MAY 09: U.S. and Philippine Air Force soldiers take part in a pre-flight briefing during U.S.-Philippines joint air force exercises dubbed Cope Thunder at Clark Air Base on May 09, 2023 in Mabalacat, Pampanga province, Philippines. Joint patrols between the Philippines and the United States in the South China Sea may begin by the third quarter of this year according to a top Philippine diplomat. This development comes amid heightened tensions in the region and follows Washington's clarification of its commitment to defend Manila from an attack at sea. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)