Asia Defense | Security | Southeast Asia

Philippines, US Kick Off Largest Ever Balikatan Exercises Close to Regional Flashpoints

With the Iran war simmering, U.S. officials will seek to reassure Asian allies that they remain a reliable and committed partner.

Philippine Army Maj. Gen Franscisco F. Lorenzo Jr, Gen. Romero S. Brawner Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Christian F. Wortman unfurl the Exercise Balikatan 2026 flag during its opening ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Manila, Philippines, April 20, 2026.

The United States and Philippine militaries yesterday began their major annual joint military drills in the Philippines, including in areas close to the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, against a backdrop of regional unease stemming from the war in the Middle East.

More than 17,000 troops from seven nations, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Japan, will take part in the 19-day Balikatan military exercises, which will run until May 8. An additional 17 nations will participate as observers.

Balikatan – the Tagalog word means “shoulder to shoulder” – comes at an uncertain time for the U.S., with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran threatening economic chaos in Asia and raising inevitable doubts about the sustainability of U.S. deterrence in the region.

Speaking during yesterday’s opening ceremony, U.S. Lt.-Gen. Christian Wortman, the commander of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, sought to reassure Washington’s Asian partners, particularly the Philippines, that it wasn’t going anywhere.

“Regardless of the challenges elsewhere in the world, the United States’ focus on the Indo-Pacific and our ironclad commitment to the Philippines remain unwavering,” Wortman said during the ceremony.

Philippine Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that the presence of allies and partners “sends a clear and unmistakable message that security is shared and that partnership remains our strongest advantage.” He added, “When nations stand together, shoulder-to-shoulder, with trust, purpose, and resolve, we are always stronger.”

This year’s Balikatan drills are the largest so far in terms of the number of participating countries, with Canada, France, New Zealand, and Japan all joining the exercises as active participants for the first time. This reflects the recent expansion of........

© The Diplomat