31.   China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, held those exercises in an attempt to intimidate independence supporters on the island.

32.   Chinese forces have been holding exercises near the island since Tuesday and have test-fired four missiles over the past eight days.

33.   China has test-fired four missiles into waters near Taiwan and is holding exercises with warships and fighter jets to its southwest.

34.   Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado said he expects the first exercises will be held in about six months.

35.   Egypt and the United States often hold joint exercises.

36.   Exercises were last held in September and October.

37.   Exercises were held in May.

38.   For the first time, the annual exercise will be held in a combat zone and U.S. soldiers will be armed for self-defense.

39.   Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon confirmed Thursday that the exercises were held near Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area claimed by China and the Philippines.

40.   He did not say when and where the exercises will be held.