Philippines: The United States and the Philippines have launched their largest-ever military drills, which will include a live-fire exercise on a sunken ship in the South China Sea.

More than 17,000 soldiers are taking part in the annual event, known as Balikatan, including about 12,200 American troops, 5,400 members of the Philippines Armed Forces (AFP), and representatives from other countries, including Australia. Balikatan means ‘shoulder to shoulder’ in Tagalog. The drills are scheduled to end on April 28.

“The Balikatan Exercise enhances both the AFP and the United States Armed Forces’ tactics, techniques, and procedures across a wide range of military operations. It increases our ability to work together effectively and efficiently in response to various crisis situations,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar remarked in a statement released by the US Embassy.

“Balikatan provides unparalleled opportunities to demonstrate the strength and readiness of the Philippine-US security alliance,” Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Huvane, Balikatan Combined Joint Information Director, commented, adding that such activities were “important investments” in honing the ability of US and Philippine forces to work together in a variety of military operations.

The latest Balikatan exercises are getting under way as China concludes three days of military drills around Taiwan. The Philippines has come under increasing pressure from China in recent years over Beijing’s expansive claim to almost the entire South China Sea.

In February 2023, Manila accused the Chinese coastguard of using a “military grade laser” against a Philippine navy ship that was carrying out a resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal, which lies within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Philippines recently agreed to allow the US access to more of its military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two countries.

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