The U.S. has launched record-breaking military exercises with the Philippines — Bloomberg
Today, April 20, 2026, the annual "Balikatan" military exercises began in the Pacific region, marking the largest such exercises in the history of the U.S.-Philippines partnership.
Bloomberg reports this.
The maneuvers are taking place against the backdrop of increased Chinese naval activity and are intended to demonstrate the allies’ readiness to repel any territorial claims in the South China Sea.
This year’s exercises involve a record number of personnel—more than 17,000 service members.
In addition to the main participants, contingents from Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand have joined the operations, transforming the bilateral exercises into a powerful multinational defense alliance.
“Despite challenges in other parts of the world, the United States’ focus on the Indo-Pacific region and our unwavering commitment to the Philippines remain steadfast,” Lieutenant General Christian Worthman stated during the opening ceremony in Manila.
A key feature of “Balikatan 2026” is the full-scale involvement of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, which are participating for the first time as an active combat partner rather than merely as observers.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has already confirmed his intention to personally visit the exercises next month to observe critical phases, including the sinking of target ships.
The exercises began just a day after China dispatched a strike group of warships to conduct its own drills in the western Pacific.
Analysts view Beijing’s move as a direct attempt to exert psychological pressure on allies ahead of the start of “Balikan.”
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