US, Philippines to Hold Largest Ever Joint Drill With Over 17,000 Troops

U.S. marines take part in a joint amphibious assault exercise as part of the annual 'Balikatan' (shoulder-to-shoulder) U.S.-Philippines war exercises off the waters of South China Sea 2022 in Claveria, Cagayan province, Philippines, on March 31, 2022. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

The United States and the Philippines will stage their largest joint military exercise next month, with over 17,000 troops participating, amid growing concerns over Beijing’s increased military assertiveness in the region.

The annual Balikatan drill will take place from April 11–28 in Northern Luzon, Palawan, and Antique, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Balikatan spokesperson Col. Michael Logico said on Tuesday.