Japan's historic Balikatan participation this year has placed China on edge
The Philippines and its allies have begun the largest Balikatan military exercises in history, with China warning that they are 'playing with fire'. The drills involve over 17,000 troops from seven countries, including Japan, which is participating for the first time with combat forces.
The Philippines and its allies have launched the largest Balikatan military exercises in history, with over 17,000 troops from seven countries participating. China has warned that the drills are 'playing with fire', saying they could backfire on the countries involved. The exercises, which run from April 20 to May 8, include live-fire drills in northern Luzon and Palawan. Japan is participating for the first time with combat forces, deploying around 1,400 troops and firing Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles. The drills coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Philippine-US mutual defense treaty and take place amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. The exercises involve the Philippines, the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand.
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