Zarate: Balikatan exercises would only heighten tension between US, China | Inquirer News

JOINT TRAINING In this photo taken in 2015, a team of US Marines and Filipino soldiers trains on a beach along the West Philippine Sea in San Antonio town, Zambales province, as part of the Balikatan military exercises between the United States and the Philippines. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ 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…