Thousands of Americans and the Philippine military forces have launched joint military exercises simulating defenses of the Asian archipelago, including mock island invasions, with a massive drill that has sparked sharp criticism from China.
The annual Barikatan (“shoulder to shoulder” Tagalog”) exercise, running until May 9th, will involve approximately 9,000 US and 5,000 Filipino service members.
The Australian army joined, and Japan and other countries sent observers.
Military leaders in the US and Philippines described this year’s drill as a “full-scale combat scenario.” It features warships, fighter jets and powerful weapons, including US marine-to-ship missile systems.
“The strength of our combination has some lethality to the power of having the spirit and spirit of an indomitable warrior,” said Vice Admiral James Glynn at the opening ceremony in Manila.
“It’s all dedicated to one purpose: to ensure the defense of the Philippines and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Although not explicitly named China, the drill comes amid increasing friction over Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea, which overlaps with the Filipino waters.
China has long been opposed to foreign military exercises involving the region, particularly the United States.
“We’re ready,” Glyn added when asked about the potential threats in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. “We all want to peacefully resolve local conflicts, but if deterrence fails, we need to prepare.”
Philippine Army Major General Francisco Lorenzo said the exercise has not been targeted by any country, but instead aims to boost national defense and strengthen cooperation between allies.
“It will increase our capabilities and our preparation and responsiveness to any unforeseen circumstances,” he said.
Drills include simulated counterattacks against enemy forces occupying the island, sinking mock enemy ships using artillery and missile fires, joint patrols in or near conflicted waters, and air reconnaissance missions.
The US Navy is also deploying a stopping system for Navy Marine expedition ships, along with unmanned sea vessels. These will be tested in exercises aimed at protecting the sovereignty of the Philippines, officials said.
Additionally, special forces from both countries will be conducting training in the Batanes Islands, the northernmost tip of the Philippine Islands, located just across from Taiwan’s Strait of Luzon.
Philippine military officials have confirmed that the US Army midrange missile system equipped with SM-6s and Tomahawk missiles has been relocated to the strategic West Coast province facing the South China Sea.
The weapons were previously stationed in Raog, north of the country. China has criticised the move and warned it could fuel the arms race.
China’s Foreign Ministry has consistently denounced Barikatan’s practice as destabilizing, accusing the US of fostering tensions and trying to contain Beijing through the alliance.
Nevertheless, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegses reiterated his commitment to Washington’s oldest allies during his recent visit to Manila. He argued that the United States was not preparing for war, but emphasized that peace could be achieved “through strength.”
Washington repeatedly confirmed its obligation to protect the Philippines if troops or vessels, including the South China Sea, are attacked under the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty. Other claimants for the busy waterway include Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
