Massive Balikatan Military Drills Begin Between Philippines and US Amid Rising Tensions with China

The Philippines and the United States have commenced their most extensive annual military exercises, known as Balikatan, described as the “Super Bowl” of such drills due to its unprecedented scale. The 40th iteration of Balikatan is scheduled from April 21 to May 9 and will see the participation of approximately 14,000 troops, including units from the UK, France, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Furthermore, 19 additional countries are slated to observe the maneuvers, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The exercises aim to demonstrate the US's ongoing military support for the Philippines in light of increasing pressures from China, particularly as it continues to assert its influence in nearby regions. With nearly 9,000 American troops and 5,000 from the Philippines engaging in these 18-day war games, various scenarios that simulate defense strategies against potential threats in the South China Sea and Taiwan will be explored.

Brigadier General Michael Logico from the Philippine Army emphasized that these drills will incorporate realistic military scenarios, showcasing a significant change in their complexity and reach. While Major General Francisco Lorenzo aims to clarify that the drills are not specifically targeting China, he acknowledged that they could potentially serve as a deterrent against conflicts, such as the one concerning Taiwan.

The exercises will include a diverse array of military resources, including advanced fighter jets and warships, reflecting the United States’ commitment to bolstering the Philippine defense. Cutting-edge weaponry, like the NMESIS anti-ship missile system and Typhon missile system, will be unveiled during this period, enhancing the operational capability of both the US and Philippine forces.

In contrast, protests marked the opening ceremony, with demonstrators in Quezon City calling for the withdrawal of foreign military presence, viewing it as a source of potential tension with China. They expressed fear regarding the implications of foreign troops, labeling the US as an imperialist power. China has voiced its strong opposition to the exercises, arguing that these actions threaten its sovereignty and exacerbate regional tensions, especially concerning its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

With a history of confrontations in contested waters, such as the Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal, the controversial military exercises have heightened sensitivities. The Philippine tensions with China continue to evolve, particularly as incidents involving coastguard personnel become increasingly common. China's navy has recently accused the Philippine frigate of illegal intrusion, warning against what it views as provocations into its claimed waters.