MANILA, Philippines (AP) — American and Filipino forces have launched their largest combat exercises in decades in waters across the disputed South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, where Washington has repeatedly warned China over its increasingly aggressive actions. The annual drills called Balikatan will run up to April 28 and involve more than 17,600 military personnel. It’s the latest display of American firepower in Asia, as the Biden administration strengthens an arc of alliances to better counter China, including in a possible confrontation over Taiwan. Meanwhile, the Philippine foreign and defense secretaries will meet their American counterparts in Washington to discuss the American military presence and proposed joint naval patrols. China has warned against the U.S. deployment in the region.