Photos Show New US Missiles Sent to China's Doorstep
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The United States has once again deployed its NMESIS ship-sinking missile system on a Philippine island group for military drills, amid the presence of the Chinese navy in nearby waters.
Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email.
Why It Matters
NMESIS stands for Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System—a U.S. Marine Corps ground-based launcher armed with two Naval Strike Missiles, capable of striking sea targets 115 miles away. It is designed for maritime warfare operations in the Pacific Ocean.
During Exercise Balikatan 2025, held from April 21 to May 9 in the Philippines, the U.S. Marine Corps simulated anti-ship operations using NMESIS on Batan Island in the Luzon Strait—a key gateway for China's naval deployments beyond its surrounding waters.
The Philippines plays a significant role in America's Indo-Pacific strategy. It is one of three nations—alongside Japan and Taiwan—that form a containment strategy known as the First Island Chain, aimed at restricting China's naval access to the broader Western Pacific Ocean.
What To Know
In a video released by the U.S. Marine Corps, a NMESIS launcher was shown being airlifted by a KC-130J transport aircraft to the Batanes Island chain—located north of the main Philippine island Luzon—on Sunday for the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operation.
The operation, aimed at rehearsing the defense of key maritime terrain, is part of Exercise KAMANDAG 9—a war game involving the U.S., the Philippines, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, scheduled from Monday to June 6 and taking place across the Philippines.
Unlike Exercise Balikatan 2025, where no live missiles were launched by the NMESIS, the weapon will be employed in a live-fire drill during Exercise KAMANDAG 9 "if the weather permits," Philippine media outlet ABS-CBN reported, citing the country's marine corps.
KAMANDAG—an acronym for the Filipino phrase "Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat," which translates to "Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea"—is an annual bilateral drill led by the U.S. and Philippine marine corps since 2016 to strengthen the allies' capabilities.
This year's exercise underscored what the U.S. Marine Corps called the "global importance of maritime security," as well as the value of building "multinational maritime domain awareness," and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
A Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System is seen during the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operation, part of Exercise KAMANDAG 9 in the Philippine Batanes Islands on May 25, 2025.
A Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System is seen during the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operation, part of Exercise KAMANDAG 9 in the Philippine Batanes Islands on May 25, 2025.
Cpl. Malia Sparks/U.S. Marine Corps
In addition to the Maritime Key Terrain Security Operation, the exercise featured defensive counter-landing live-fire drills, littoral maneuvers, amphibious operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training, as well as various subject matter expert exchanges.
What People Are Saying
Colonel Jason C. Armas, commanding officer of the U.S. Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 25.3 Marine Air-Ground Task Force, said: "Training shoulder to shoulder with our Philippine Marine Corps partners isn't just about building interoperability—it's about forging trust in the crucible of shared hardship and preparing together to respond with speed and precision to any crisis, anywhere, anytime."
Major General Arturo G. Rojas, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, said: "This year's KAMANDAG is a testament to the enduring partnership between the Philippine Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps. By operating jointly in complex environments, we are strengthening our capability to defend the archipelago and contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific."
What Happens Next
A Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System is seen after being transported by a KC-130J aircraft to the Batanes Islands during Exercise KAMANDAG 9 on May 25, 2025.
A Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System is seen after being transported by a KC-130J aircraft to the Batanes Islands during Exercise KAMANDAG 9 on May 25, 2025.
Cpl. Malia Sparks/U.S. Marine Corps
It was unclear whether the NMESIS will remain in the Philippines after the conclusion of the exercise. A U.S. Army Mid-Range Capability missile system, which was initially deployed for exercises, has been stationed in the Southeast Asian country since April of last year.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Epoch Times
a few seconds ago
- Epoch Times
Chinese Climber Dies After Summiting World's Second-Highest Peak, K2
GILGIT, Pakistan—A Chinese mountaineer has died after being hit by falling rocks while descending from the world's second-highest peak in northern Pakistan, officials said Wednesday. Guan Jing was struck on Tuesday while coming down from K2, a day after reaching the summit with a group of climbers, said Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the regional government of Gilgit-Baltistan. Faraq said efforts were underway to retrieve her body.
Newsweek
27 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Tears As Rescue Dog Takes First 'Cautious' Steps Into New Forever Home
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. A rescue dog's nervous first few steps inside his new forever home have been captured on camera. There was a time when Stephanie Ruocco, from western Massachusetts, probably would have never even contemplated bringing a dog into her home. "I wasn't exactly a dog person," Ruocco told Newsweek. "Honestly, dogs kind of scared me." But that all changed the day she spotted a white German shepherd on a trail cam in an area of woodland that makes up part of the 12-acre property where Ruocco lives. "He was mangy-looking and bone-thin," she said. "I thought it was a coyote at first and posted the video on my Facebook community page." Ruocco soon learned that the dog, who was called Ghost at the time, had been missing since late February and living in the woods. He had been gifted to a retired local resident but had quickly bolted from his new home. Ruocco reached out to the animal's former owner. Though she got a response, communication between them ultimately broke down. Despite this, Ruocco was determined to help. She began leaving food and water out for the canine every day, and, every day, he came back for more. There was something about this dog, whom she would ultimately rename CJ, that struck a chord for Ruocco. "When I first saw CJ, he was this terrified stray, dodging everyone in the woods," she said. "Something about his fear of people mirrored my own unease, and it hit me hard. I didn't have a grand plan to rescue him. I just wanted to make sure he was fed and strong enough to survive out there." For two months, come rain or shine, she showed up with food and water. Something magical began to happen. "We started to trust each other," Ruocco said. "I'd get this little spark of excitement seeing him, and he began to look healthier, his tail wagging a bit more." The bond that can form between an individual and their pup occupies a unique space. This much was highlighted by a study published in the journal Scientific Reports earlier this year; 717 dog owners were asked to rate their relationship with a pet, close relative, child, best friend and romantic partner in 13 key areas, including reliability, companionship and affection. Dogs scored higher in areas like nurture and companionship compared to best friends or romantic partners. They also scored higher for affection, support and reliability compared to best friends or close relatives. Owners also reported minimal conflict with canines. While different from human relationships, the study identified some of what truly makes a dog "man's best friend." Ruocco's bond with CJ truly began to crystalize when she started bringing him toys, as well as food and water. "His joy was infectious. I don't think he'd ever had anyone play with him before," she said. "It was just us, two unlikely friends, building trust." From there, it was a slow but steady progression to the point where CJ felt ready to come into Ruocco's home. "Taking him in wasn't a decision I planned," she said. "It was one we sort of made together, day by day." Ruocco met CJ on May 19. By July 1, he was taking his first tentative steps into her home, in a moment captured on camera and posted to TikTok under the handle @stephanieruocco. While the caption on the video notes that CJ was initially "cautious" of his new surroundings, even in that brief moment, there is a sense he is already letting his guard down. That was a special moment. Ruocco said: "Honestly, I was freaking out with excitement because it was such a big step for this scared stray." The reaction online was similarly emotive, with users left in tears at what they were watching. At that stage, Ruocco was still planning to hand CJ over to a local dog shelter in the hopes of finding him a forever home. But then she realized something: he had already found one. "I started to feel protective," she said. "I wasn't OK with just handing him over without knowing he'd be safe and loved. That's when it hit me … we wanted to advocate for him and, ultimately, adopt him and care for him." CJ has gone from strength to strength ever since. Ruocco was so determined to bring him home, she even paid $800 compensation to his previous owner, while CJ has also undergone K9 training. Today, he is a dog transformed. "For a dog who spent so long in the woods, he's remarkably well-mannered and affectionate," Ruocco said. "You can see the relief in him now that he no longer has to worry about his next meal or watch his back."
Newsweek
29 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Husky on Euthanasia List After Being Hit by a Car—Then Unexpected Happens
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A husky who was believed to have been hit by a car and found near the wreckage was placed on the euthanasia list due to his severe injuries—until rescuers stepped in to save him. Cosmo, thought to be a 2-year-old husky, was discovered in a rural area of Patterson, California on July 24. He was unable to walk due to a suspected broken leg, had a painful head wound, and was in extreme pain. He was lying in the shade near the debris of a car, leading rescuers to believe he was hit by a vehicle. Cosmo was taken to Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, but due to the severity of his injuries and the pain he was suffering, he was added to the euthanasia list. He was due to be put down on July 26, but then Saving Gizmos Friends, a rescue organization, spared his life. Dijana Josic, the Director of Rescue Operations and Programs at Saving Gizmos Friends couldn't let poor Cosmo lose his life through no fault of his own. Josic told Newsweek that Cosmo was in so much pain and "they could not manage at the shelter," so her rescue organization immediately transported him to Standiford Veterinary Center. Cosmo after surgery with a cone around his neck. Cosmo after surgery with a cone around his neck. @savinggizmosfriends / Instagram "After getting seen by our doctor, it was confirmed that Cosmo arrived at the shelter with a broken left femur, likely from being hit by a car," Dijana said. "His injury was so severe it required urgent hospitalization, intensive pain management, and preparation for complex orthopedic surgery involving both a plate and intramedullary pin." Following the complex surgery, Cosmo must rest for around 8 to 12 weeks, with only short walks on a leash for bathroom breaks. Thankfully, he appears to be doing well and volunteers at Saving Gizmos Friends can't wait to see him back on his feet. "He is on multiple pain medications and has frequent vet checkups to make sure his leg is healing properly. He is healing wonderfully and will soon be able to run without any limitations," Dijana continued. Videos of Cosmo have been shared on the rescue's social media accounts (@savinggizmosfriends on Instagram). The videos detail the severity of Cosmo's injuries, as well as documenting his ongoing recovery after surgery. While he still has a long way to go yet, his personality is already shining through. He has started to show just how loving and social he can be, and Dijana tells Newsweek that Cosmo loves people, children, other dogs, and is a "true social butterfly." His forever home is out there somewhere, and Dijana hopes he will find it soon. "Cosmo is an incredibly sweet and goofy boy who brightens everyone's day. He's great on a leash, walks nicely and enjoys every step. One of his favorite things is getting gentle facial massages, and he's always excited for treats," Dijana said. She continued: "Cosmo would thrive in a loving home where he can get plenty of attention and social interaction. A family or individual who enjoys daily walks and gentle play would be perfect. A calm environment where he can get lots of affection and have opportunities to explore and socialize would suit him best." The social media response to Cosmo's story has been overwhelmingly positive, and Dijana is so thankful for all the support that's has been sent his way. Whether it's with donations or well wishes, Cosmo has received so much love since being hit by a car. "His journey hasn't been easy, but we remain hopeful for the best," Dijana said. Many internet users have taken to the comments section to thank Saving Gizmos Friends for doing everything they can to save Cosmo. One comment reads: "Thank you for saving Cosmo! Welcome to your next, very best chapter yet!" Another Instagram user wrote: "This made my day! A Husky that was saved by this incredible team." While another person replied: "Omg thank you for saving his life, he's the cutest!" Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
