US and Philippines launch expanded Balikatan combat drillsexpanded Balikatan combat drills with Japan France and Canada
Over 17,000 US and Philippine troops began large-scale Balikatan exercises on April 20 in the Philippines including Japan France and Canada for the first time. The drills feature live-fire ship-sinking maneuvers in waters facing the South China Sea amid rising confrontations with China. US officials frame the event as proof of commitment to Asian allies despite Middle East distractions.
US-Philippine Perspective
The exercises demonstrate Washington's firm dedication to its treaty ally the Philippines and regional security. They introduce advanced capabilities like anti-ship missiles to counter threats in the South China Sea. Participation by multiple allies strengthens collective defense without targeting any nation.
- Japan's Self-Defense Forces first joined Balikatan as full participants in 2023.
- Australia participated in Balikatan 2025 alongside the US and Philippines.
- NMESIS is a mobile US anti-ship missile system debuted in these drills.
US-China Military Escalation Indo-Pacific
The United States conducted its first operational firing of the Typhon mid-range missile system from the Philippines on May 5, 2026, during joint exercises with Manila, Japan, Australia, France, Canada, and New Zealand. The Tomahawk cruise missile traveled over 600 kilometers from Leyte to strike a target in Nueva Ecija, demonstrating long-range strike capability that can reach the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and parts of mainland China. China condemned the deployment as provocative and responded with its own naval drills, while tensions escalated further when Taiwan's coast guard expelled a Chinese research vessel suspected of conducting underwater surveillance near the island.
