MANILA: The Philippines and US yesterday began Balikatan—three weeks of joint drills simulating full-scale war, amid rising tensions with Beijing.
Seventeen thousand troops are taking part, with advanced US weapons like the NMESIS anti-ship missile system deployed near Taiwan’s southern edge.
Live-fire exercises are being held in northern Luzon.
This year’s drills include the first integrated air and missile defence simulation, attended by President Marcos. US Marine Lt. Gen. James Glynn said the exercises prove the allies’ “matchless capability” to uphold their 1951 defence pact.
Australia and Japan are also joining.
Since Marcos took office in 2022, Manila has stepped up defence ties with Washington, pushing back on China’s South China Sea claims.
Last year’s drills featured the US Typhon missile system—now on Manila’s wishlist.
The US has approved a possible $5.6b F-16 sale, while the Philippines recently received new corvettes from South Korea.
Military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner said Manila would be “inevitably” drawn into any Taiwan conflict.
Two US-access bases are located near the flashpoint. – AFP
