SHOTLIST: CABANATUAN, PHILIPPINES (JUNE 30, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOUS OF SOLDIERS GETTING PREPARED FOR SHOOTING 2. VARIOUS OF MILITARY VEHICLES DEPLOYED FOR JOINT DRILL 3. DRONE SHOTS SHOWING MISSILE LAUNCH 4. MOMENTS OF MISSILE LAUNCH CABANATUAN, PHILIPPINES - JUNE 30: The U.S. and Philippine defense forces conducted a live-fire joint drill in Cabanatuan on Monday, June 30, to boost defense capabilities amid rising tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. The live-ammunition exercise 'Shield' featured the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Officials said the drill aims to enhance defense readiness, improve operational capabilities, and strengthen the Philippine military. In early June, the Philippines and the US have agreed to deepen cooperation over China’s “destabilizing actions” in the South China Sea as well as to strengthen economic cooperation. The agreement between the two countries was reached after Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Washington. The two diplomats met to “underscore the US-Philippines Alliance’s vital role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region," US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce said in a statement. Manalo noted on X that the meeting reinforced the commitment to the bilateral alliance and highlighted the importance of enhancing economic cooperation alongside defense relations.