Australian and Philippine forces launch largest military exercises near disputed South China Sea
Associated Press
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In this photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Maj. Gen. Francisco F Lorenzo Jr., left, commander of the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command, pins the ALON Exercise 2025 patch on Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Maj. Gen. Hugh McAslan during the opening ceremony of joint military drills between Australia and the Philippines in Palawan province, Philippines on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)In this photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, from left, Maj. Gen. Francisco F Lorenzo Jr., commander of AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command; military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Deputy Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines Moya Collett, Vice Adm. Alfonso F Torres Jr., Commander of Western Command, Donald D. Ocampo, Acting Head, DFA Consular Office in Puerto Princesa, and Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Maj. Gen. Hugh McAslan stand together as the exercise flag unfurls during the opening ceremony of joint military drills between Australia and the Philippines in Palawan province, Philippines on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)In this photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Deputy Ambassador of Australia to the Philippines Moya Collett, left, places the Exercise ALON 2025 patch on military chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. during the opening ceremony of joint military drills between Australia and the Philippines in Palawan province, Philippines on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)In this photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. speaks during the opening ceremony of joint military drills between Australia and the Philippines called Alon, meaning wave in the Philippine language, in Palawan province, Philippines on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)
In this photo provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Maj. Gen. Francisco F Lorenzo Jr., left, commander of the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command, pins the ALON Exercise 2025 patch on Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Maj. Gen. Hugh McAslan during the opening ceremony of joint military drills between Australia and the Philippines in Palawan province, Philippines on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. (Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP)