As part of the annual combat-readiness drills called Balikatan, military forces from the United States, Australia, and the Philippines launched a display of high-precision rockets, artillery fire, and airstrikes in waters facing the disputed South China Sea. The drills, which started on April 22 and will end on Friday, involved more than 16,000 military personnel from the United States and the Philippines, supported by Australian troops and military observers from 14 countries.
The military exercise took place in Laoag City, in the northern home province of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The drills aimed to showcase the defense capabilities of the allied forces and reinforce the long-standing defense treaty alliance between the United States and the Philippines.
Amid China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea, Philippine President Marcos Jr. has directed his military to shift its focus to external defense. This strategic shift aligns with the efforts of President Joe Biden and his administration to strengthen alliances in the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's assertive behavior.
China's actions in the disputed waters have led to tensions with the Philippines, including incidents of harassment against Filipino navy and coast guard ships. The Philippines, supported by the United States and its allies, has cited a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.
During the drills, a mock enemy ship was targeted with missile fire, leading to its sinking. Subsequent airstrikes by U.S. and Philippine warplanes further demonstrated the firepower of the allied forces. Philippine military officials emphasized that the maneuvers were aimed at enhancing coastal defense and disaster-response capabilities, rather than targeting any specific country.
China has expressed opposition to military drills involving U.S. forces in the region, warning that such activities could escalate tensions and disrupt regional stability. The deepening security alliance between the United States and the Philippines, including the approval of a wider U.S. military presence in Philippine military camps, has drawn strong objections from China.
The Philippines has asserted its right to defend its sovereignty and territorial interests in the face of China's territorial claims and aggressive actions. The ongoing military drills serve as a demonstration of the allied forces' readiness to respond to security challenges in the region.
