The United States and the Philippines kicked off their largest-ever Balikatan joint military exercises on April 21, signaling a robust response to escalating tensions with China over the South China Sea and Taiwan.

The 40th iteration of the “shoulder-to-shoulder” drills, running through May 9, involves 12,000 American and 6,000 Filipino troops, joined by forces from Japan and Australia, with observers from Britain, France, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and other European nations.

For the second year, the US has deployed its Typhon mid-range missile system to the Philippines, a move condemned by Beijing. This year’s exercises also mark the debut of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS), an advanced anti-ship missile launcher. The drills will simulate full-scale combat scenarios near disputed South China Sea areas and close to Taiwan, showcasing sophisticated weapons systems to enhance interoperability and deterrence.

The Philippine Navy will demonstrate its new South Korean-made LIG Nex1 C-Star “sea-skimming” cruise missile during the “Maritime Strike” exercise, culminating in the sinking of a decommissioned vessel on May 5. Additionally, the Philippines will deploy its recently acquired Indian-made BrahMos supersonic missiles, bolstering its maritime defense capabilities.

The exercises follow heightened maritime clashes between Manila and Beijing, notably over the Sandy Cay area in the Spratly Islands. Philippine military chief General Romeo Brawner recently stated that Manila would not stay neutral in a potential China-Taiwan conflict, reflecting a bolder stance. Meanwhile, China’s Global Times quoted experts warning that the Philippines’ alignment with foreign powers could lead to “significant consequences.”

With Chinese President Xi Jinping directing the People’s Liberation Army to prepare for possible conflict with the US over Taiwan by 2027, the Balikatan drills underscore a unified front among allies to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. (ILKHA)