MANILA, Philippines — Proceeding with the Balikatan exercises with the United States would only heighten the tension between the US and China, with the Philippines smacked in the middle, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said Wednesday.
Zarate made the remark as the Philippine and US soldiers began its two-week joint military exercise, also known as Balikatan exercises, amid the rising tension over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The lawmaker said the Balikatan exercises “only serves to heighten the tension betweenthe US and China, placing the Philippines smack in the middle of two competing super powers.”
“It would be best for the Philippine government to assert its sovereignt…
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