Joint Military Exercises in the Philippines Heighten Tensions with China

On March 31, 2023, U.S. and Filipino soldiers kicked off their joint military drill known as Salaknib in Fort Magsaysay, located in the northern Philippines. The exercises mark the beginning of the annual Balikatan military maneuvers, which are set to take place from April 21 to May 9 and involve approximately 9,000 American troops alongside 5,000 Philippine military personnel. The drills are designed to simulate the defense of the Philippine archipelago against potential island attacks, a scenario that has drawn opposition from China.

The Balikatan exercises, translating to "shoulder to shoulder" in Tagalog, are part of a longstanding military partnership between the United States and the Philippines. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn emphasized that these drills enhance the capabilities to respond to any significant acts of aggression, especially in areas like the Taiwan Straits and the South China Sea. He mentioned that the combined forces are prepared for a high level of combat readiness, with a focus on defending the Philippines and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Philippine army Maj. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo highlighted that the intention of the exercises is not directed at any specific nation but rather aims to bolster the Philippines' defensive capabilities against any unforeseen incidents. The drills are expected to include a range of operations such as joint naval exercises, artillery and missile strike simulations on mock enemy vessels, and aerial combat training.

This year's large-scale exercises are seen as a crucial test of the operational readiness and interoperability of the U.S. and Philippine armed forces. Additionally, Australia intends to send around 260 participants, while military observers from nations including Japan are also expected to attend. The involvement of advanced weaponry, such as a U.S. mid-range missile system, has heightened concerns in China, which has called for the withdrawal of such systems from Philippine territory to prevent them from sparking an arms race.

Despite the tensions surrounding these drills, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed that the U.S. is not seeking conflict but aims to strengthen peace through military preparedness. The Balikatan exercises will also include specialized training for U.S. special operations forces in the northern Philippines, near Taiwan, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the allied forces. Washington has consistently warned that it is committed to defending the Philippines against any armed aggression, particularly in contested areas of the South China Sea, which are also claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.