Philippines and U.S. conclude largest military exercises to date

The Philippine and the U.S. forces concluded their joint military exercises and drills on April 28th through a ceremony marking the successful completion of this year's "Balikatan" exercises The ceremony occurred in the Armed Forces General Headquarters of the Philippines, better known as Camp Aguinaldo. Top-senior officials from both governments attended the ceremony.

Over 17,600 military personnel, including around 111 members of the Australian Defence Force, participated in the series of drills conducted from April 11th to 28th, making it the largest-ever exercise between the two nations. Throughout the exercises, personnel were allowed to work together to support regional stability and global security

The exercises were held in the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Aurora, Zambales, and Antique to increase proficiency in maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

US-Philippine relations have relatively eased up under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who, in February, approved four new sites for EDCA (Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement) These sites, identified by the PCO (Presidential Communications Office), are the following: Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor de la Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan

In a statement to the Manila Bulletin made by MaryKay Carlson, US Ambassador to the Philippines, "In addition to being unprecedented in terms of size, our forces also introduced cyber and space elements into the exercise scenario, showing that our seven-decade-old alliance is constantly evolving to address 21st-century challenges," highlighting the growth and evolution of US-Philippine ties throughout the years.

Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Huvane, on the significance and importance of these exercises, further elaborated, "Balikatan provides unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate the strength and readiness of the Philippine-US security alliance," which demonstrates America's commitment to the agreement

As the exercises concluded, the Philippine Coast Guard revealed that it was again bullied by several Chinese Vessels near the Ayungin Shoal This is why AFP Chief General Andres Cetino, during the sidelines of the ceremony, called for a more "improved and refined" Balikatan in 2024

These exercises come amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically between the People's Republic of China and the self-ruling island of Taiwan According to Major General Eric Austin, the exercises will ensure "we are prepared to respond to real-world challenges together"

China's foreign ministry later criticized the joint military drills saying that they "must not interfere in South China Sea disputes, still less harm China's territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, and security interests" The long-scheduled drills got underway as China ended three days of war games around Taiwan, which included precision strikes and blockading the island after Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen met with U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles

When asked about the combat exercises between American and Filipino forces in the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in Manila stated that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that such drills "should not target any third party and should be conducive to regional peace and stability" Wang did not say how China would respond if it concluded that the US-Philippine security cooperation was hurting Beijing's core interests

Left-wing activists and nationalists have also shared their dismay and opposition to the presence of American Forces in the Philippines "The Philippines is caught in an interimperialist conflict between the US and China," Renato Reyes of the leftwing Bayan alliance said, "We are merely being used as a footstool for American power projection and provocation in the region"

The drills showcase American strength and ability in Asia as the Biden administration strengthens a string of alliances to better counter China, including a possible clash over Taiwan, an island democracy that Beijing claims sovereignty over.

The exercises' goals link with efforts by the Philippines under Marcos to defend its territorial interests in the South China Sea