U.S., Philippines begin 'SAMASAMA' naval drills

U.S., Philippines begin 'SAMASAMA' naval drills

The Philippine and U.S. navies will hold warfare drills till Oct. 13 to bolster international defense cooperation and promote the rules-based international order, months after the two nations held their largest-ever military exercises. The drills come at the backdrop of China ramping up its claims over the South China Sea. 

China on Tuesday told the Philippines not to "provoke and cause trouble" over the South China Sea, a day after Manila cut a floating barrier put in place by Beijing to restrict fishing activities in the disputed Scarborough Shoal.

Marcos says Philippines is not looking for trouble but will defend waters against Chinese aggression.