ISTANBUL

The Philippines has launched unilateral joint military exercises focused on “territorial defense” amid maritime tensions in disputed South China Sea.

The chief of the armed forces of the Philippines Gen. Romeo S Brawner Jr. urged unity among some 3,000 active and reserve troops who are taking part in the AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) - DAGIT-PA.

Emphasizing unity and partnership among the troops drawn from navy, air force, army, and special operations forces to “secure the nation,” he said the military drills will be focused on territorial defense.

The drills officially kicked off on Monday, in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, facing West Philippines Sea and Taiwan.

Manila calls parts of disputed South China Sea as West Philippines Sea where it has seen persistent maritime conflict with China which claims almost all of the vast warm-water body.

“Our objective in this exercise is for our soldiers to become experts in territorial defense. We have been doing this exercise for eight iterations already,” said Brawner, according to comments released on social media pages of AFP.

The drills will continue until Nov. 15.

Amid tensions with Beijing, Manila has held many military exercises in the disputed waters along with the US, Japan, and other allies.