US and Philippine Marines train in seizing and defending key terrain near Taiwan's south coast in a show of force against China

• US and Philippine Marines conducted security operations in key terrain near Taiwan's south coast.
• They practiced defending strategic areas in preparation for a potential conflict with China.
• The mission aims to integrate Philippine forces into US operations and build rapport with locals.

The Marines were just over a hundred miles away from the southern tip of Taiwan when they seized the airstrip. They were operating in Northern Luzon and the Batanes Islands, Philippine territory north of the mainland — key terrain for a potential conflict with China.