Since Monday (April 22), nearly 17,000 Filipino and American soldiers have begun a three-week joint military exercise called “Balikatan.” France and Australia will also participate in this largest-ever joint exercise between the United States and the Philippines, with a total of 14 countries sending observers globally.
In the face of escalating aggression by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the South China Sea, France and Australia have strengthened their defense relations with the Philippines. France, participating in “Balikatan” for the first time, will deploy the frigate “Vendémiaire” (F734) to the Indo-Pacific waters for the exercise.
The “Balikatan” exercise will run from April 22 to May 10 and take place near the South China Sea and Taiwan in Palawan and Batanes Islands.
Observers from 14 countries are attending the 2024 “Balikatan” exercise, including Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The CCP claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea and considers Taiwan as part of its territory. CCP’s continuous aggressive actions in the South China Sea have raised international concerns. The U.S. has reiterated its commitment to defend the Philippines from armed aggression.
US Marine Corps Pacific Commander William Jurney stated at the opening ceremony in Manila, “We will show the people of the Philippines and the world that we continue to improve our abilities and we will never stop doing so.”
“As we get better, the Philippines becomes stronger, more secure, and better protected,” Jurney added.
In response to the growing threat from the CCP, the U.S. has been enhancing its alliances with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines.
The U.S. and the Philippines are treaty allies, and since President Marcos took office in 2022, their defense cooperation has deepened.
While the Philippines may not possess a formidable military force, its proximity to the South China Sea and Taiwan makes it an important partner for the U.S. in the event of a conflict with the CCP.
Colonel Michael Logico of the Philippines stated before the exercise, “The purpose of the armed forces, the reason we exist, is really to prepare for war.”
“There’s no sugarcoating it… If we don’t prepare, it’s a disservice to the nation,” he said.
For the first time, the Philippine Coast Guard will also participate in the “Balikatan” exercise. Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard has had multiple confrontations with the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea, with China repeatedly using water cannons against Philippine vessels and deliberately ramming into them.
This year’s exercise includes island seizure training and simulated exercises to reclaim an island in Palawan province by force. The island is close to the disputed Spratly Islands between China and the Philippines.
The exercise will also take place in the northern provinces of Cagayan and Batanes, both less than 300 kilometers (180 miles) from Taiwan.
Similar to last year, the exercise will involve ship-sinking drills in the waters near Ilocos Norte.
Other training will cover information warfare, maritime security, and integrated air defense and missile defense.
Logico mentioned that the exercise will extend beyond Philippine territorial waters, approximately 22 kilometers from the coastline.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner described the exercise as “an extraordinary opportunity to deepen our cooperation with friends, partners, and allies.”
Brawner emphasized the importance of the exercise in ensuring a safer global community for future generations.