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US and Philippine Armies Launch Joint Military Exercises Amidst Rising Regional Tensions
MANILA, March 24 – The Philippine and United States armies commenced a three-week joint military exercise on Monday, signaling a deepening security partnership amidst growing concerns over regional stability. Exercise Salaknib, as the drills are known, will focus primarily on bolstering territorial defense capabilities and improving the ability of both armies to effectively command and manage large-scale deployments of forces. This first phase of this year’s exercise involves approximately 5,000 soldiers from the Philippine Army and the U.S. Army Pacific, representing a significant commitment from both nations to strengthening their military cooperation.
The exercise is structured around a two-phase approach, with the initial phase currently underway and a second phase planned for later in the year. Details regarding the specific objectives and activities of the second phase will be released at a later date. The overall aim of Salaknib is to enhance the interoperability of the two forces, focusing on warfighting capabilities and providing opportunities for both sides to exchange expertise in a variety of military disciplines.
The exercises are encompassing a wide range of activities, including simulated combat scenarios, command and control exercises, and training on advanced military technologies. A particular emphasis is being placed on improving the ability of both armies to coordinate their actions in complex and dynamic environments. These exercises are crucial for maintaining readiness and ensuring the allied forces are prepared to respond effectively to any potential threats to regional security.
Adding further weight to the significance of the joint drills, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit Manila this week. The Pentagon announced his trip last week. He is expected to hold meetings with high-ranking Philippine government officials and military leaders. Hegseth’s visit underscores the United States’ commitment to its alliance with the Philippines and its determination to support the country in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The discussions are likely to center on strengthening defense cooperation, addressing shared security challenges, and exploring opportunities for further collaboration in the region.
The Philippine Army released a statement outlining the key objectives of the Salaknib exercises. The statement highlighted the focus on enhancing combined operations between the two armies, with a particular emphasis on large-scale maneuvers, live-fire exercises, and territorial defense strategies. These elements are crucial for ensuring that the Philippine and U.S. forces are adequately prepared to respond to any potential threats to the Philippines’ national security.
Exercise Salaknib is an annual engagement that began in 2016. It represents an important component of the broader Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) training drills, which have been a cornerstone of the defense relationship between the Philippines and the United States for many years. These exercises provide valuable opportunities for both armies to learn from each other, refine their tactics and procedures, and build stronger relationships.
The increased security engagement between the Philippines and the United States reflects a notable shift in Philippine foreign policy under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The current administration has signaled a clear intention to strengthen ties with the United States, marking a departure from previous administrations. This pivot is partly driven by growing concerns over China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.
President Marcos has prioritized upholding the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the South China Sea. He has frequently clashed with China over its activities in the disputed waterway. This includes the persistent presence of the Chinese coast guard near disputed features within the Philippines’ maritime zone. The ongoing dispute over the South China Sea has become a major flashpoint in the region, and the Philippines is seeking to strengthen its defense capabilities and alliances to protect its interests.
Hegseth’s visit marks the first visit by a U.S. Cabinet official to Manila since President Donald Trump took office in January. Previously, the late Lloyd Austin visited the Philippines and said America’s alliance with the Philippines would transcend changes in administrations. The visit comes after the Philippines successfully secured an exemption from a 90-day funding freeze that Trump had previously ordered in January. This exemption allowed the Philippines to receive $336 million in funding for the modernization of its security forces, which is a crucial initiative for enhancing its defense capabilities.
The ongoing Salaknib exercises and the upcoming visit by Secretary Hegseth highlight the deepening security partnership between the Philippines and the United States. As regional tensions continue to rise, particularly in the South China Sea, the two nations are working closely together to strengthen their military cooperation and ensure that they are prepared to address any potential threats to regional stability. The joint exercises serve as a powerful demonstration of the commitment of both countries to upholding the rule of law and protecting their shared interests in the region. The future likely holds more joint exercises and cooperation.
(Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Editing by John Mair)
