US-Philippines Hold Joint Military Drills

About 14,000 American and Filipino forces will participate in battle-readiness exercises in the Philippines, including live-fire drills, from April 21 to May 9. The annual joint Balikatan exercises, meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog, aim to strengthen regional security amidst concerns over China's territorial ambitions.

The exercises will involve approximately 9,000 US and 5,000 Filipino military personnel, as well as fighter aircraft, navy ships, and various weaponry, including a US anti-ship missile system. Australia will deploy around 200 military personnel, while Japan and other friendly nations will send smaller military delegations.

China has expressed disapproval of the war drills, particularly those involving US and allied forces near the disputed South China Sea and northern Philippine provinces close to Taiwan. Beijing views these exercises as an attempt to contain it and threaten regional stability and peace. Philippine Brigadier General Michael Logico emphasized that the Balikatan exercises are not aimed at any particular country.

The exercises will feature aerial surveillance and live-fire drills, including sinking a mock enemy ship, deployment of a US anti-ship missile system, and countering enemy forces on an island. A US mid-range missile system will also be used, which China has repeatedly expressed alarm over.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Manila in March, reaffirming the Trump administration's commitment to ramp up deterrence against China's aggression in the South China Sea. Hegseth emphasized that peace would be won "through strength," with the US deploying advanced systems like the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System and unmanned sea vessels.

The Balikatan exercises demonstrate the US and Philippines' commitment to strengthening their military alliance and regional security, amidst rising tensions in the South China Sea.