Balikatan Exercises Expand to Northern Edges of the Philippines, Countering Chinese Aggression

BASCO, Philippines: The Balikatan exercise, a joint military drill between the United States and the Philippines, has been significantly expanded to cover the territorial edges of the Philippines amid escalating tensions with China. On April 30, during these exercises, a Philippine fishing vessel was attacked by two Chinese Coast Guard ships using water cannons while traversing Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.  

This incident highlights the persistent aggression from China in areas claimed by the Philippines, bringing the U.S. and the Philippines closer in their military collaboration. The Philippines, comprising over 7,000 islands, plays a strategic role in countering China’s influence in the Pacific.  

Expansion of Balikatan Reflects Strategic Shift in Philippine Defense  

The Balikatan exercise, which means “shoulder to shoulder” in Tagalog, has been held almost annually for nearly four decades. However, its scope and scale have grown notably in recent years, reflecting the Philippines' recognition of its territorial defence gaps. Col. Michael Logico, director of the joint and combined training centre of the Philippine Armed Forces, stated that the exercise's expansion sends a clear message of deterrence to adversaries and confidence in the Philippines' defence capabilities.  

Previously confined to central military locations within Luzon, the exercise now spans the entire country, from the northernmost islands to Palawan in the southwest. This geographic expansion aims to project military power and demonstrate the Philippines’ readiness to protect its territory against external threats.  

Chinese Activities in the West Philippine Sea Intensify Amid Exercises  

During the two-week Balikatan exercise, which began in April and ended in May, 233 Chinese vessels were detected in the West Philippine Sea, the term used by the Philippine government for its exclusive economic zone. Gregory Poling, an expert on Asian maritime issues, highlighted that the Philippines frequently encounters Chinese harassment in the Spratly Islands. The Sierra Madre, a World War II-era tank landing ship stationed at the Second Thomas Shoal, serves as a critical outpost but faces continuous threats from Chinese forces.

China's aggressive tactics, including the use of high-pressure water cannons, acoustic devices, and military-grade lasers, have increased in recent months. The previous Philippine administration under President Rodrigo Duterte had distanced itself from the U.S. and even paused the Balikatan exercise in 2020 to improve relations with China, but the situation in the South China Sea did not improve.  

Strengthening U.S.-Philippine Alliance Under New Leadership  

Since his election in 2022, President Bongbong Marcos has worked to rapidly strengthen ties with the U.S. and other Pacific nations. The Philippine military has shifted its focus from counterinsurgency to territorial defence, supporting allies and protecting national sovereignty. Gen. Charles Flynn, head of the U.S. Army Pacific, emphasized the importance of defending terrain, people, and territorial integrity.  

During Balikatan 2023, the Philippine Army aimed to conduct a littoral live-fire drill in Ilocos Norte, a northern province, but political considerations led to its relocation to Zambales, where a military installation already exists. Col. Logico made it a personal goal to bring the exercise back to Ilocos Norte for 2024, emphasizing the importance of projecting military power and becoming comfortable with operating in contested areas.  

The expanded Balikatan exercise underscores a strategic response to China's growing influence and aggression in the region. The inclusion of more remote and strategically significant areas in the drills highlights the Philippines' commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities and maintaining a robust alliance with the United States. As geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea continue to rise, the U.S. and the Philippines are reinforcing their military cooperation to ensure regional stability and security.