Taiwan Begins Military Drills Near Philippines

A helicopter takes off from the stern of a Taiwanese Lafayette frigate during exercises off the southern city of Kaohsiung,Taiwan, May 16, 2013.

An officer flashes hand signals to a passing helicopter from the stern of a Taiwanese Kidd-class destroyer during exercises off the southern city of Kaohsiung,Taiwan, May 16, 2013.

A crew member keeps an eye on the horizon at dawn during exercises off the southern city of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, May 16, 2013.

Taiwan naval personnel take part during a joint military drill on a Kidd-class destroyer outside a naval base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, May 15, 2013.