Twenty four countries to take part in the annual “Eager Lion” military exercise in Jordan; Philippines releases photographs showing China was reclaiming land on a disputed reef in the South China Sea
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    • (MAY 12-18)

    According to reports, more than 13,000 troops from 24 countries are to take part in the annual “Eager Lion” military exercise in Jordan. According to the state news agency Petra, “ground, air and naval forces comprising a total of more than 13,000 troops are to be deployed during the May 25-June 10 war games, with around 24 countries taking part”. The maneuvers are aimed at tackling terrorism and insurrection; a common threat and to prepare armies to develop their capacity to plan and carry out joint operations. 1

    In another development, according to reports, Philippines has released photographs on May 15 to back its claim that China was reclaiming land on a disputed reef in the South China Sea, also claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam. Philippines fear that China aims to build an airstrip on the reef. A series of photographs released by the foreign department of Philippines appeared to show large-scale reclamation in stages. The latest photograph dated March 11 appears to show a large light-colored landfill, surrounded by shallow turquoise waters. Philippines has termed these actions as destabilizing and in violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and international law. However, China has shown scant regard for Philippines protests over Chinese reclamation on grounds that the reef is part of Chinese territory. 2

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