US-Philippines ‘Balikatan’ Military Drills 2025

In response to rising geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, the United States and the Philippines have commenced large-scale military drills under the banner of ‘Balikatan’ — which means “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Filipino. These annual exercises aim to bolster military preparedness, reinforce regional cooperation, and deter threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

The joint exercises, scheduled from 21st April to 9th May 2025, involve the deployment of advanced military technology, participation of allied forces, and war simulations in strategic locations. This year’s edition is particularly significant due to increasing friction with China over territorial disputes and growing global scrutiny over Taiwan.

Key Highlights and Strategic Details

Participants and Scope

• Around 14,000 troops are participating: 9,000 from the US and 5,000 from the Philippines.
• Additional participation includes Australia with 200 personnel, and observers or support from Japan and other allies.
• The drills cover a wide range of military operations such as:
  • Live-fire drills
  • Air and naval operations
  • Mock battlefield scenarios

Deployment of Military Assets and Technology

• The US has mobilised a mid-range missile system, which includes:
  • Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles
  • SM-6 interceptors
• Cutting-edge systems such as unmanned sea vessels and the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System will also be tested.
• Aerial surveillance and anti-ship missile drills will add a technological edge to the simulated operations.

Geopolitical Implications and China’s Reaction

• The exercises are taking place near contested South China Sea zones and in close proximity to Taiwan, which has prompted strong objections from Beijing.
• China considers the drills a provocative action and warned that such deployments could lead to an arms race in the region.
• Despite these concerns, both the US and the Philippines have proceeded with the operations, calling them essential for regional stability and deterrence.

Locations and Strategic Aims

• The drills are being held within Philippine territory, with a special focus on Batanes province, which lies close to Taiwan and is a key strategic point in the event of conflict escalation in the Taiwan Strait.
• The mid-range missile system has been repositioned near a contested shoal in the South China Sea to strengthen maritime control and response preparedness.
• Objectives include:
  • Repelling mock invasions
  • Neutralising enemy naval threats
  • Strengthening combined response capabilities of participating nations

Reassurance Amid ‘America First’ Policy

• Despite concerns stemming from the “America First” stance under previous US leadership, current US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its Asian allies.
• He spoke of a continued strategy of “peace through strength”, ensuring that while the US seeks no conflict, it remains ready to deter any act of aggression — particularly from China.
• This assurance is crucial in maintaining diplomatic confidence among smaller regional allies like the Philippines, especially in a high-stakes region like the Indo-Pacific.