The ongoing 39th Balikatan exercise-2024, the "shoulder-to-shoulder" drill, has drawn significant attention from China this year. With a record-breaking participation of 16,000 troops and observers from up to 14 nations, including the USA and the Philippines, the exercise is making waves. Of particular interest is the decision to conduct naval drills in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, marking the first time such activities have ventured beyond territorial waters. This move directly intersects with areas claimed by China in the South China Sea, heightening tensions in the region.
China's aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea, which includes threats directed at non-military vessels, has prompted concern. The Philippines has reported numerous incidents involving Chinese coast guard and PLAN vessels engaging in high-pressure water cannon tactics and risky manoeuvres near Philippine-flagged ships. These actions, often categorized as "grey zone" tactics, carefully skirt the boundaries of triggering the mutual defence treaty between the USA and the Philippines.
Viewed from the standpoint of the USA, the exercise serves multiple objectives. It enhances trust in the bilateral defence treaty between the USA and its allies. With significant shifts in the global landscape, including the conflict in Ukraine and China's assertiveness in the sea, allies are reconsidering their dependence on the USA for security. Thus, the exercise acts as a clear message to regional partners, affirming that the USA remains a reliable ally capable of containing Chinese aggression effectively.
From the perspective of the Philippines, the Balikatan exercise carries significant weight as a response to Chinese intimidation tactics in the region. Its primary goal is to demonstrate strength and assertiveness, presenting a unified stance against the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and their actions. Strategically, the Philippines is leveraging its defence treaty with the USA by not extending additional base access, instead opting to utilize existing resources. This approach allows the Philippines to maintain autonomy over its geopolitical decisions. China views this exercise as provocative and interprets it as a threat to its territorial sovereignty. It accuses the USA of exploiting the dispute to hinder China's movements in the region, further escalating tensions.
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| U.S. and Philippines Balikatan Exercise |
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