Story perspectives

Balikatan Drills Signal U.S. Commitment Amid Regional Tensions

4/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Balikatan exercise between the Philippines and the United States starts this month with no Southeast Asian nations participating.
Analysts say drills signal U.S. commitment to security, while participation of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Canada could imply alignment with Washington amid tensions with Beijing.
Collin Koh of Singapore's Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies notes ASEAN nations face a dilemma, as participation may be seen as choosing sides.

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Story summary

The Balikatan exercise between the Philippines and the United States starts this month with no Southeast Asian nations participating.
Analysts say drills signal U.S. commitment to security, while participation of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, France, and Canada could imply alignment with Washington amid tensions with Beijing.
Collin Koh of Singapore's Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies notes ASEAN nations face a dilemma, as participation may be seen as choosing sides.