The United States and the Philippines have started conducting annual military exercises, "Balikatan" 2024, amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, the ABS-CBN News TV channel reported. About 11,000 American and 5,000 Filipino soldiers and Australian and French military personnel will participate in the exercise, which will last until May 10. 14 countries from Asia and Europe will join them as observers. The Philippines plans to invite Japan to participate in the exercise.