Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea where a Philippine fishing vessel was attacked by two Chinese Coast Guard ships on April 30 during the Balikatan exercise with American and Philippine armed forces. Chinese aggression has become a common occurrence in areas the Philippines claims as its territory, bringing the U.S. closer to the Philippines, its oldest ally in the Pacific region since 1951. The Balikatan exercise, held almost annually for nearly 40 years, has expanded to different locations across the Philippines as a reflection of the nation’s acknowledgment that its territorial defenses are lacking.
China’s activities in the South China Sea have caused tension, particularly at the Second Thomas Shoal where a Philippine marine contingent is aboard a World War II-era tank landing ship, the Sierra Madre. Previous President Rodrigo Duterte distanced his government from the U.S. and canceled joint exercises, but current President Bongbong Marcos has strengthened ties with the U.S. since his election in 2022. The U.S. aims to deter Chinese influence in the region and build stronger strategic partnerships in the Pacific through exercises like Balikatan.
The exercise has evolved to encompass various military domains and now includes over a dozen countries as observers or participants. It is designed to send a message of confidence in the Philippines’ ability to protect its territories. Gen. Charles Flynn, head of U.S. Army Pacific, emphasized the importance of defending territorial integrity and national sovereignty. Balikatan exercises now include live-fire drills at sea beyond 12 nautical miles of the Philippines and training in the West Philippine Sea, demonstrating the Philippines’ and its allies’ military capabilities. The U.S. sees the Philippines as essential in building a strategic land power network in the Pacific region and as a key partner in deterring threats to regional stability.