US Expands Asia Defense Drills in Shadow of China, Iran Threats

The US on Monday kicked off its major annual joint Indo-Pacific military drills in the Philippines, seeking to reassure allies of its regional defense commitments while embroiled in a war with Iran.

More than 17,000 troops from seven nations — including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France and, for the first time, Japan — will join this year’s maritime and live-fire drills, which run until May 8. Nearly 10,000 will come from the US — a slightly bigger contingent compared to last year but smaller than previous exercises.