Balikatan Drills and Allied Responses
Key Questions
What are the key features of the ongoing Balikatan drills?
The drills are the largest-ever US-Philippines-Australia-Japan exercises, involving 17,000 troops, with debuts by Japan combatants and participation from Canada, France, and New Zealand. Live-fire exercises occur in Batanes and Zambales, facing Taiwan, South China Sea, and Scarborough Shoal. They aim to enhance deterrence in the region.
How has China responded to the Balikatan drills?
China deployed Pacific warships with warnings and made poisoning claims against the exercises. It also flexed energy leverage, implying assistance for the Philippines could be affected. These actions coincide with the drills' start.
What additional allied activities are supporting deterrence in the South China Sea?
The US and Philippines established a fuel depot, while Australia, Canada, and the US conducted South China Sea operations. A US warship passed through the Malacca Strait, respecting transit rights as noted by Indonesia. These efforts harden regional deterrence amid Chinese responses.
Largest-ever US-PH-Aus-Japan (debut combatants) drills (17k troops, Canada/France/NZ join, live-fire Batanes/Zambales facing Taiwan/SCS/Scarborough) draw China Pacific warship responses/warnings, poisoning claims. US PH fuel depot, Aus-Can-US SCS ops harden deterrence.