The annual exercise, called Balikatan, or “shoulder to shoulder” in the local Tagalog language, is held in the northern and western parts of the Southeast Asian archipelago, near the areas of the South China Sea and Taiwan.
About 11,000 American and 5,000 Philippine soldiers, as well as Australian and French military personnel, will participate in the maneuvers, which will last until May 10.
In response to China’s growing influence, the United States has strengthened its alliances with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines.
Manila does not have a large military, and the archipelago, due to its proximity to the South China Sea and Taiwan, could be a key partner for the United States in the event of a conflict with China. In addition, the government of the island nation launched a 36 billion dollar development plan, in which the capabilities of the submarine would be increased. A spectacular video of Balikatan was shared by the Philippine Armed Forces’ X channel:
France previously participated in these annual exercises as an observer country, but now it is actively involved in the events for the first time. According to a statement from the French Embassy in Manila, the country will deploy the Vendémiaire frigate stationed in New Caledonia.
In recent years, the gap between China and the United States has become more and more acute, as Washington has increasingly felt that the Eastern superpower is aspiring to a global hegemon role. THEIn recent years, the Americans have tried to strengthen their presence in the Far East, where they strive to resist Beijing’s pressure by building military alliances.
Cover image credit: Ezra Acayan/Getty Images
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