In a display of allied strength, American and Filipino forces have initiated their most significant combat exercises in recent years, with a focus on the contested South China Sea region.
This military demonstration, known as Balikatan, meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, commenced on Monday and is slated to continue until May 10. The joint maneuvers involve over 16,000 military personnel from the United States and the Philippines, alongside more than 250 troops from France and Australia.
While both nations assert that these exercises are not aimed at any specific country, the scenarios simulated during Balikatan often unfold in or near the disputed waters of the South China Sea. This area has been a focal point of rising tensions, characterized by confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard vessels. Such encounters have involved aggressive tactics like water cannons and blockades, leading to injuries and damage to Philippine naval assets.
The significance of the longstanding alliance between the United States and the Philippines was underscored by the U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. William Jurney during the opening ceremony of the demonstrations. He stressed that the exercises would serve as a tangible demonstration of the commitments outlined in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the two nations.
The Biden administration has reiterated its obligation to defend the Philippines in the event of an attack, particularly amidst escalating tensions in the South China Sea. While the United States does not lay claim to these disputed waters, it emphasizes the importance of freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region.
Despite assertions of cooperation, China has expressed strong opposition to the joint exercises, accusing the Philippines of aligning with external powers – a thinly veiled reference to the United States and its allies. Chinese officials have cautioned against actions that could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability.
The drills include various activities, such as joint naval operations with the French navy, ship-sinking exercises, and the retaking of an occupied island. Additionally, the deployment of a U.S. ground-launched missile system to the northern Philippines has drawn criticism from China, heightening concerns about the militarization of the region.
The Biden administration’s strategy of strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific, coupled with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to bolster military cooperation with the United States, reflects a broader geopolitical dynamic. Both nations are positioning themselves amidst growing competition with China, particularly in the context of territorial disputes and security concerns in the region.
As Balikatan unfolds against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, it serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the Indo-Pacific and the strategic imperatives shaping the actions of key actors in the region.
