Philippines, US launch annual joint military drills

FILE - A U.S .155mm Howitzer fires a round during annual combat drills between the Philippine Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps in the northern Philippines, Oct. 13, 2022. Filipino and U.S. troops will kick off joint military exercises in the Philippines on Monday.

Thousands of Filipino and American troops will kick off joint military exercises in the Philippines on Monday, as Beijing's growing assertiveness in the region raises fears of a conflict.