Recent news has highlighted the launch of the largest combat exercises in years between American and Filipino forces as part of Exercise Balikatan. These exercises involve joint drills with the French navy and a ship-sinking drill near the disputed South China Sea, causing concern in Beijing.
Exercise Balikatan is an annual military exercise between the Philippines and the United States, with "balikatan" meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog. These exercises serve as a cornerstone of the military relations between the two countries, focusing on enhancing interoperability and strengthening their defense capabilities. Balikatan exercises typically involve various training scenarios, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and combat readiness drills.