Manila, Philippines - The Philippine and US air forces kicked off joint exercises Monday aimed at boosting operational coordination and enhancing "strategic deterrence" with China in mind, Manila's military said.

The drills follow months of confrontations between Beijing and Manila over disputed areas of the South China Sea, with significantly larger US-Philippine air, land and sea exercises set for late April.

"Enhancing combat readiness and elevating joint mission effectiveness" would be central to the Cope Thunder exercise, Philippine Air Force commander Arthur Cordura said Monday at a ceremony to launch the drills.

Military ties between the Philippines and US have deepened since the 2022 election of President Ferdinand Marcos, with Manila pushing back on sweeping Chinese claims in the South China Sea that an international tribunal has ruled are without merit.

China China reveals ongoing military drills are simulating a large-scale attack on Taiwan

The US State Department last week approved a long-mooted sale of F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, though Manila said the deal was "still in the negotiation phase."

Speaking at Monday's ceremony, US Major General Christopher Sheppard said that "the pace of our alliance is accelerating."

Cope Thunder, which will continue through April 18, aims to enhance "asymmetric warfare capabilities", operational coordination and strategic deterrence, according to the Philippine Air Force.

"Further down the road, we look forward to the seamless transition to exercise Balikatan, which will continue to push the boundaries of our interoperability," Cordura added.

China China slams US tariff "bullying" and vows massive "countermeasures"

Like the majority of Balikatan's planned activities, Cope Thunder will be conducted on northern Luzon island, the area of the Philippines closest to Taiwan.

As China encircled Taiwan with planes and ships in a simulated blockade last week, Philippine military chief Romeo Brawner warned troops that their country would "inevitably" be involved should the self-ruled island be invaded.

China insists Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to forcefully bring it under its control.

During a recent visit to Manila, US Defense Chief Pete Hegseth said Washington was "doubling down" on its alliance with the Philippines.

"Deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country – considering the threats from the Communist Chinese," he said on March 28.