U.S. special forces to increase combat drills in Philippines and Asia

U.S. special operations forces are preparing to increase combat readiness exercises with partners in the Philippines and other Asian nations. The initiative aims to strengthen security alliances and deter major conflicts in the region, particularly regarding territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

Admiral Frank Bradley, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, is currently visiting the Philippines following a trip to South Korea. He is scheduled to travel to Japan next to conduct talks with military officials. Bradley’s visit is part of a series of high-level military engagements intended to reassure Asian allies of Washington’s regional commitment amid other global tensions.

Discussions in the Philippines have focused on modernizing the Philippine military, intensifying joint combat drills, and expanding security networks to deter aggressive actions by China. The United States has maintained a long-standing obligation to defend the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, in the event of an armed attack.