The Philippines and the United States began the largest iteration of annual Balikatan military drills yet, running through May 8 with more than 17,000 troops, including around 10,000 U.S. personnel, and expanded participation from allies including Japan — which is participating in live-fire drills for the first time — Australia, Canada, France and New Zealand, AP reported on April 20. At the same time, China warned the exercises "create division and confrontation in the region" and sent a naval task group to conduct parallel drills in the western Pacific.