MANILA, Philippines (Transatlantic Today)— The United States and the Philippines have launched their largest combat exercises in years, showcasing their military alliance near the contested South China Sea, a region of rising tensions with China.
The Balikatan exercises, which began Monday and will run until May 10, involve more than 16,000 U.S. and Philippine troops, as well as 250 French and Australian forces. While the Philippine military emphasizes that the drills are not aimed at any specific nation, many scenarios are set in or near the South China Sea, where Philippine and Chinese vessels have clashed over territorial disputes.
Chinese coast guard vessels have used water cannons and blocked Philippine ships in recent months, leading to injuries and damaged boats. In response, Philippine military officials stated that the main focus of this year’s drills is territorial defense. “We’re dead serious about protecting our territory,” said Col. Michael Logico, a spokesperson for the Philippine military.
Amid escalating tensions, President Joe Biden has reiterated the U.S. commitment to defending the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, asserting that the U.S. will uphold its ally’s defense if attacked. U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. William Jurney emphasized that these exercises demonstrate that the treaty is “no mere piece of paper.”
China has strongly opposed the drills, claiming they could destabilize the region and spark confrontation. A key part of the exercises includes joint naval maneuvers by the U.S., Philippine, and French forces in disputed waters off Palawan, as well as live-fire drills. The deployment of a U.S. ground-launched missile system in northern Philippines also sparked criticism from China, which views the move as escalating regional tensions.
Despite Chinese objections, the U.S. and the Philippines continue to deepen military cooperation, with the Biden administration seeking to strengthen alliances in the Pacific to counter China’s growing influence, particularly regarding Taiwan. The Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has furthered military collaboration with the U.S., allowing more American forces to stay in Philippine military camps as part of a 2014 defense pact.
These exercises underscore the growing importance of U.S.-Philippine military ties as both nations address shared concerns over regional security and the South China Sea disputes.
