• The US and Philippines launched their annual 'Balikatan' military drills, involving around 17,000 troops.
• New integrated air and missile defense simulations are being conducted, attended by President Ferdinand Marcos.
• China warns that these exercises undermine regional stability and threaten economic growth.
• The drills feature advanced US missile systems deployed near strategic chokepoints in the South China Sea.
• Military cooperation is seen as a response to ongoing confrontations with Beijing over territorial claims.

The United States and the Philippines commenced their annual military exercises known as 'Balikatan' on April 21, 2024, amidst increasing tensions with China in the South China Sea. The three-week drills will involve approximately 17,000 troops from both countries and will showcase advanced military capabilities, including air and missile defense simulations attended by President Ferdinand Marcos. The exercises are deemed crucial for addressing contemporary security challenges in the region, according to US Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who emphasized their intent to uphold the mutual defense treaty between the two nations established in 1951, as reported by aa and trtglobal.

For the first time, 'Balikatan' drills will feature integrated air and missile defense exercises, with the deployment of advanced US systems such as the NMESIS anti-ship missile system, highlighting a coordinated response to Beijing's influence in the region. Lt. Gen. Glynn noted that the exercises would serve as a “full-scale battle test” involving various scenarios aimed at preparing both forces for potential contingencies, reported by scmp and thejakartapost.

In reaction to the joint exercises, China expressed strong disapproval, claiming that the drills undermine regional stability and threaten economic growth prospects. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the Philippines' collaboration with external forces positions it in opposition to regional interests, warning that such actions could provoke severe consequences. This stance reflects Beijing's ongoing concerns over US military activities near Taiwan, as underscored in reporting by aa and newsweek.

The balance of power in the South China Sea continues to be a contentious issue, as tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines due to various maritime confrontations. Military analysts assert that the **Balikatan drills may not only serve as a deterrent against Chinese expansionism but also enhance the operational capabilities of the Philippine military**, which has been increasingly focused on modernizing its defense systems. The Philippines has been acquiring advanced military hardware recently, with the US approving a potential sale of F-16 fighter jets and additional missile systems to bolster its regional defense posture, emphasizing a commitment to counter potential coercive actions from China, according to scmp and thejakartapost.