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Balikatan 2024: US, Philippines, and Allies Conduct Largest-Ever Joint Military Drills Near South China Sea
The United States and the Philippines began their annual Balikatan military exercises on April 20, marking the largest iteration yet with new participants including Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand. The drills, running through May 8, include maritime strike operations on a remote island near Taiwan.
Apr 20, 9:44 AM·1m read3 sources
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Forces initiated maritime strike drills on a remote Philippine island near Taiwan as part of the annual Balikatan exercises that started on Monday. Officials said the exercises would test readiness under real-world conditions.
The drills, known as Balikatan or "shoulder-to-shoulder," run from April 20 to May 8. The exercises stand as the largest yet in terms of participating countries, with Australia included and Canada, France, New Zealand, and Japan joining as active participants for the first time.
The US and the Philippines have held joint drills since 2001. The drills involve live-fire activities in the South China Sea. Washington and its allies began major live-fire exercises in the South China Sea, with Japan joining as a full participant for the first time.
China warned against joint US, Philippines, and Japan drills eroding regional trust.
