Annual US–Philippine Drills Showcase Cooperation Amid Rising China Tensions

The Philippines has faced confrontations with Beijing over disputed areas of the South China Sea.

U.S. troops take part in weapons training during the "Balikatan" or "shoulder-to-shoulder" U.S.–Philippines joint military exercises in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, on April 13, 2023. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

The U.S. and Philippine militaries are conducting annual joint combat exercises simulating the defense of the Philippine archipelago, as the two allies seek to deter China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

The Balikatan exercises, a long-running series of U.S.–Philippine military drills grounded in a mutual defense treaty, began on April 21 and will run through May 9, involving approximately 9,000 U.S. personnel and 5,000 Philippine personnel.