The US and the Philippines have begun major military exercises in the South China Sea

17,000 troops from the Philippines and the United States begin combat training today. The drills include the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have had border skirmishes in the past.

According to the Philippines, the exercises are not targeted at any specific country. But the year Polycotton– or 'shoulder to shoulder' exercises take place Amid growing diplomatic rows between the Philippines and China. The two countries have been at loggerheads over the use of water cannons and disputed territorial waters.

Beijing's increasing pressure in the South China Sea is raising concerns in the Philippines. China claims most of the sea. These waters bring the country $3 trillion in maritime trade annually. Beijing has criticized the joint exercises, saying they exacerbate tensions and undermine regional stability.

During the exercise, US and Philippine troops simulated the recapture of occupied islands in the northern Philippines near Taiwan. The exercise is also taking place in Palawan province, an archipelago that separates the South China Sea from the Sulu Sea to the east.

16,700 soldiers from both the United States and the Philippines are participating in this exercise. This is less than the 17,600 players who attended the annual training last year. At the time, it was the largest exercise since its inception in 1991.

This version Polycotton-For the first time, the exercise will be held partially outside Philippine waters. France and Australia are also participating. Those countries have strengthened security ties with Manila in light of Beijing's threats in the region.

The training will last for three weeks till May 10.