INTERNATIONAL
Philippines, United States expand drills near South China Sea
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The United States and the Philippines are deepening defense cooperation near the South China Sea, focusing on Balabac, a strategic island group close to disputed waters and the Spratly area. Balabac hosts a 300-hectare Philippine air base designated in 2023 as an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement site, giving U.S. forces access. According to Reuters, the 2026 Balikatan joint exercises will run from April 20 to May 8, involve more than 17,000 troops, and include Japan, Canada, France, New Zealand, and Australia. The drills occur amid rising tensions with China, which has tightened control around Scarborough Shoal using ships and a floating barrier.
Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 2023 Balabac air base designated EDCA site
- 2023 U.S. gains access to Balabac facilities
- Earlier this year tensions rise over incidents
- Yesterday China tightens Scarborough Shoal controls
- Yesterday Floating barrier deployed near disputed shoal
- Apr 20 2026 Balikatan drills scheduled to begin
- May 8 2026 Joint exercises set to conclude
- By 2026 Multinational participation in Philippine exercises
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