US and Philippine military run 'Super Bowl' exercises

Beijing protests against show of strength in South China Sea

- SHWETA SHARMA

The Philippines and the US yesterday launched the largest iteration of their annual Balikatan military drills, deploying thousands of soldiers in what has been called the “Super Bowl” of exercises for its unparalleled scale.

The 40th edition of Balikatan, which means shoulder-toshoulder in Tagalog, will run until 9 May. The drills are expected to involve some 14,000 troops, with contingents from the UK, France, Canada, Australia and Japan also participating.

In addition, as many as 19 countries are set to join as observers for the exercises this year, which the Philippine military notes highlights their shared commitment to peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The “full battle tests” will also underscore the intent of the US, the security partner of the Philippines, to continue its military support for the southeast Asian nation at a time when it faces intensifying pressure from China.

Nearly 9,000 troops from the US and 5,000 from the Philippines are taking part in the 18-day war games across western and northern Philippines, facing the regional flashpoints of the South China Sea and Taiwan.

Brigadier General Michael Logico, of the Philippine army, said the drills would simulate realistic defence scenarios, marking a significant evolution in scope and complexity.