Australian and Philippine forces launch largest military exercises near disputed South China Sea

Australia has launched its largest‑ever military exercises with the Philippines, involving over 3,600 personnel in live‑fire drills, maneuvers, and a beach assault near the disputed South China Sea. The drills, called Alon, feature fighter jets, a guided‑missile destroyer, troop aircraft, anti‑tank weapons, and special forces, and will run until August 29. Observers from the U.S., Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, and Indonesia are participating. The exercises aim to strengthen regional security amid tensions with China, which has criticized such multinational drills, the Associated Press has reported. Recent incidents, including collisions and near‑misses between Chinese and Philippine or Australian forces, underscore rising disputes in the resource‑rich waters.