Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan's role in it, is making China uneasy
The expansion of the largest-ever joint US-Philippine military exercise to include Japan's observer-partner status is drawing Beijing's response. The Balikatan 2026 exercise has begun in Manila with observer delegations from 18 countries. SCMP relays the Chinese Foreign Ministry's 'extremely concerning' reaction.
The Manila-based Balikatan 2026 joint exercise began as the largest in 39 years with the participation of 16,500 US troops and 9,200 Philippine troops. According to SCMP, Japan's inclusion for the first time this year in 'observer-partner' status and the presence of observer delegations from a total of 18 countries including Australia, India, South Korea, the United Kingdom and France drew Beijing's response. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference that 'the scope and geographic location of these exercises are extremely concerning; they undermine the regional security balance'.
The exercise is being conducted across islands between Palawan to the west of the South China Sea and the Batanes Islands to the north; scenarios include amphibious landing defence, logistical support under naval blockade and unmanned aircraft counter operations. Philippine Chief of Staff General Brawner said 'the goal of the exercise is not a specific country; it is to test the operational readiness of regional security'. US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Aquilino said 'Japan's participation is the operational reality of the multilateral security architecture on the ground'.
Wilson Center China Studies Director Robert Daly analysed that 'Japan's observer-partner status is a signal of step-by-step tighter coordination; it becomes harder for Beijing to manage northern and eastern fronts at the same time'. The ASEAN+3 foreign ministers meeting will be held in Jakarta on 12 June; South China Sea Code of Conduct negotiations are on the agenda.
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