U.S. and Philippine Military Exercise Angers China

The United States (US), Australia, and the Philippines have gathered to conduct annual military exercises as a show of force to China’s territorial expansion into the South China Sea. More than 5,000 US, Australian, and Philippine troops will take part in the Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder exercise started last Monday and will conclude in mid-April.

The Balikatan exercise has evolved from counter-terrorism operations aimed at insurgent groups in the southern Philippines to now reclaiming and protecting territory from an aggressive China.

The exercise will take place across the Philippines including the island of Palawan, which is near the disputed Spratly islands where the Chinese have built a number of artificial islands.  China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei have all made territorial claims to the waters of the South China Sea.

In January, an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement went into effect that will give US troops access to five military bases in the Philippines.

Last Sunday, Japan sent down two warships and a submarine, which docked at Subic Bay, the Philippines’ strategic port. It was the first time in 15 years a Japanese submarine made the trip down to the Philippines. While Japan is not directly participating in the exercise they are starting to develop a larger military capability in response to China’s territorial expansion.

Japan has also agreed to sell short-range reconnaissance aircraft and partrol boats to the Philippines and Japanese Defense Minister General Nakatani will also be visiting the Philippines to discuss future relations.

Australia has sent 86 military personnel including 30 commandos from the 2^nd commando regiment to take part in the Balikatan exercise. Australian personnel will be involved with large amphibious landing exercises and humanitarian work.

The Australian contingent has announced their goal is to both display “friendship” and “support” for the Philippines while also maintaining interoperability with US Pacific Command Fleet.

The South China Sea contains some of the world’s most important sea-lanes and has $5 trillion in trade come through the area annually. China has claimed the South China Sea for themselves and developed airstrips, structures, and radar systems throughout the reefs and waterways.

China has not been pleased with the US and Australian presence in the region as a Chinese Spokesman for the Ministry of Defense Yang Yujun claimed that the US has brought in a “Cold War Mentality” to the region. He insisted that the US has come back to the Philippines and reinforced its military presence, and has now militarized the South China Sea.

Tensions with China have increased in recent days, following reports indicating that Vietnam had seized a Chinese fishing vessel for entering Vietnamese waters.

The joint multi-national exercises are critical not just for allies to maintain essential military training, but also to build strong international relations.