Manila – The Philippines and the United States have commenced their most extensive joint military exercises to date, marking a significant escalation in their defense cooperation. Dubbed “Balikatan” or “shoulder-to-shoulder,” the annual drills, which began on April 21, 2025, involve over 17,000 troops from both nations. Running until May 9, the exercises are designed as a “full battle test,” simulating complex scenarios including mock invasions of enemy-occupied islands in strategically sensitive areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea.
This year’s exercises come against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions, particularly due to China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, a vital maritime corridor that Beijing claims almost in its entirety. While officials have refrained from explicitly naming China as the focus of the drills, the strategic locations and nature of the operations underscore growing concerns over regional security.
A Shifting Geostrategic Landscape
The Balikatan exercises, which started in 1991, have evolved significantly over the decades. Speaking at the opening ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila, Philippines Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo highlighted this transformation. “Times have indeed changed. The geostrategic environment is more complex and increasingly vulnerable to miscalculation” he said. Reflecting on his attendance at the event in 2009, Manalo noted that the focus then was on counterterrorism, a stark contrast to today’s emphasis on territorial defense and maritime security. 
The drills’ locations are particularly telling. Operations are set to take place in areas close to Taiwan, such as the Luzon Strait, and in Balabac, Palawan, which faces both Philippine and Chinese outposts in the West Philippine Sea—the term Manila uses for its exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea. These regions are flashpoints in the ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries and resources, with Beijing’s increasing military presence and construction of artificial islands drawing international criticism.
Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has previously described China as “the biggest disruptor” of peace in the region, though he avoided direct references during the opening events. Meanwhile, Major General Francisco Lorenzo, the Philippines’ Balikatan exercise director, emphasized the exercises’ purpose during a briefing. “Balikatan is not against any nation but it is joint training with the forces to increase our capability in securing our territory. And of course, it will increase our capabilities and our preparedness and responsiveness to any eventuality” he said.
Unprecedented Scale and Sophistication
This year’s Balikatan drills introduce several firsts, reflecting the deepening military alliance between Manila and Washington. Among the highlights is the inaugural deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, an antiship missile launcher, in the Luzon Strait. This system will be tested as part of “maritime key terrain security operations,” which simulate retaking islands from an enemy force—a clear nod to potential real-world scenarios in disputed waters.
Additionally, the United States has brought its Marine Air Defense Integrated System (Madis) overseas for the first time. Designed to counter drones and other unmanned aerial systems, Madis will be utilized in a live-fire exercise in Zambales, where combined forces will target an outlaw drone at sea. This integrated air and missile defense exercise marks another milestone in the sophistication of the drills. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to observe this event from an undisclosed location, underscoring the political significance of the operations.
Lieutenant General James Glynn, commander of the US Marines Pacific and the American counterpart to Major General Lorenzo, clarified the focus of the exercises. “We’re looking at elevated tensions in regional security in the larger region, in this case focused on the South China Sea” he said. While Taiwan remains a concern due to China’s repeated threats to unify it by force if necessary, Glynn’s comments suggest that the immediate priority for these drills is securing maritime domains closer to Philippine shores.
International Observers and Broader Implications
The exercises are not just a bilateral affair. Nineteen nations, including Australia and Japan, are participating as observers, signaling widespread international interest in the stability of the Asia-Pacific region. This comes as China’s actions—ranging from aggressive coast guard patrols to the militarization of reefs—have alarmed neighboring countries and drawn condemnation from the US and its allies.
The South China Sea is a critical artery for global trade, with trillions of dollars in goods passing through its waters annually. It is also rich in natural resources, including fish stocks and potential oil and gas reserves, making control over the area a high-stakes issue. The Philippines, which won a landmark 2016 ruling at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejecting China’s expansive claims, has struggled to assert its rights amid Beijing’s refusal to recognize the decision.
For the United States, the Balikatan exercises reinforce its commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, which obligates Washington to defend Manila in the event of an armed attack. This partnership has gained renewed importance under the administration of President Marcos, who has pivoted toward closer ties with the US compared to his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, who often sought warmer relations with China.
Regional Tensions and the Risk of Miscalculation
The timing of the drills is significant, as they unfold amid a series of confrontations in the South China Sea. Recent incidents have seen Philippine vessels harassed by Chinese coast guard ships, with water cannons and floating barriers deployed to block access to disputed reefs. These encounters have raised fears of escalation, particularly given the presence of military assets from multiple nations in the region.
Analysts warn that the complexity of the current geostrategic environment, as noted by Foreign Secretary Manalo, increases the risk of miscalculation. A minor incident—such as a collision between ships or an unintended escalation during military exercises—could spiral into a broader conflict, drawing in major powers like the US and China. The Balikatan drills, while aimed at enhancing deterrence and preparedness, also carry the potential to be perceived as provocative by Beijing, which has historically criticized such exercises as destabilizing.
Yet, for the Philippines, the exercises are a necessary step to bolster its defense capabilities. With a relatively modest military budget compared to its neighbors, Manila relies heavily on partnerships like Balikatan to modernize its forces and improve interoperability with allies. The introduction of advanced systems like Madis and the antiship missile launchers represents a tangible boost to its ability to defend its maritime claims, even if full self-reliance remains a distant goal.
Public and Political Reactions
Domestically, the Balikatan exercises have sparked a mix of support and concern. Many Filipinos view the strengthened alliance with the US as a critical counterbalance to China’s growing influence, particularly in light of repeated incursions into Philippine waters. Fishermen and coastal communities, who often bear the brunt of these disputes, have long called for a stronger government response to protect their livelihoods.
However, there are also voices of caution. Some political figures and activists worry that hosting large-scale US military operations could entangle the Philippines in a broader US-China rivalry, potentially compromising its sovereignty. Protests in Manila and other cities have highlighted fears of being caught in the crossfire of great power competition, with critics pointing to the historical baggage of US military presence in the country, including during the colonial era and the basing agreements of the Cold War.
Looking Ahead
As the Balikatan exercises progress over the coming weeks, the eyes of the region—and the world—will be on how they unfold. While designed as a demonstration of unity and strength between the Philippines and the United States, the drills also serve as a reminder of the fragile balance of power in the South China Sea. With tensions showing no signs of abating, the question remains whether such military cooperation can deter aggression or if it risks further inflaming an already volatile situation.
For now, the focus is on readiness and resilience. As Filipino and American troops train side by side, their actions send a clear message: the stakes in this contested maritime arena are higher than ever, and the cost of missteps could be profound.
