They ve been dubbed China s Little Blue Men, an allegedly Beijing-controlled maritime militia that analysts say could be hundreds of boats and thousands of crew members strong.
China doesn t acknowledge their existence and when questioned, refers to them as a so-called maritime militia. But Western experts say the alleged militia is an integral part of Beijing s efforts to exert its territorial claims in the South China Sea and beyond.
They claim its blue-painted vessels and their crews - allegedly funded and controlled by the People s Liberation Army - can quickly bring a Chinese presence so large around disputed reefs and islands they are almost impossible to challenge without triggering a military confrontation.
Philippines, US begin two-week joint military drill amid tensions in South China Sea-547164
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Philippines, US hold two-week joint military drill
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Philippines, US begin two-week joint military drill amid tensions in South China Sea ANI | Updated: Apr 12, 2021 15:48 IST
Manila [Philippines], April 12 (ANI): Over the next two weeks, the Philippines armed forces will hold joint exercises with hundreds of US soldiers amid growing tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea.
According to Arab News, nearly 1,700 Filipino and American military personnel will take part in the joint exercises.
Unlike in previous years, the Balikatan exercises 2021 (BK-21) will not be open to the public as part of safety protocols to limit the spread of coronavirus. The exercises officially start tomorrow and will last for about two weeks, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana told reporters on Sunday.