Philippines and ...
Philippines and U.S. Commence Largest-Ever Joint Military Drills Amid Regional Tensions
On April 21, 2025, the Philippines and the United States launched the most extensive iteration of their annual joint military exercise, Balikatan, involving over 14,000 troops. This year's drills, running until May 9, are designed as a comprehensive "full battle test" to enhance interoperability and readiness in response to escalating tensions in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.
The exercises feature approximately 9,000 U.S. and 5,000 Filipino soldiers, with additional participation from Australia and observers from countries including Japan, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Colombia. Key components include live-fire exercises, aerial surveillance, island defense simulations, and special forces operations, particularly in the strategically significant Batanes Islands near Taiwan. A notable aspect of this year's Balikatan is the deployment of the U.S. Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), a vehicle-mounted anti-ship missile system, marking its first use in the Philippines.
While Philippine officials assert that the drills are not directed at any specific nation, the scale and nature of the exercises have drawn criticism from China, which warns that such military activities could heighten regional tensions. Despite these concerns, the Philippines and the U.S. maintain that Balikatan is essential for strengthening defense capabilities and ensuring regional stability.
Concurrently, various activist groups within the Philippines have organized demonstrations opposing the presence of foreign troops and the potential implications of the exercises. Protests are expected to occur nationwide, particularly in Metro Manila, with authorities preparing for possible disruptions and emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order during this period.
Market Philippines - News Service
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