More than 17,000 US and Philippine troops have launched the joint "Balikatan" military exercise, with Japan joining for the first time. Live-fire drills are taking place near Taiwan and the South China Sea amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
On 20 April 2026 GMT+7, the US and Philippine armed forces officially began their annual joint military exercise, involving over 17,000 troops. The 19-day training exercise, named "Balikatan" meaning "shoulder to shoulder," includes forces from the US, the Philippines, Japan, as well as contingents from Australia, New Zealand, France, and Canada.
US exercise spokesperson Colonel Robert Bunn stated that this drill showcases the strong alliance between the US and the Philippines and reaffirms their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region. A key highlight is the live-fire training in northern Philippines, facing the Taiwan Strait, along with exercises in provinces near the South China Sea.
He also confirmed that the deployment of US troops, one of the largest troop movements in years, will not be affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the US. The drills coincide with the nearing end of a two-week ceasefire agreement between the US, Iran, and Israel, following a war that began with an Iranian attack on 28 February 2026 GMT+7.
Analysts view these exercises not only as a means to strengthen alliances but also as a strategic signal to China amid intensifying power competition in Asia.