Regional alliances conduct joint military exercises in response to escalating tensions with China
HEY THERE, BUDDY! check this out:
SO, THE U.S. AND THE PHILIPPINES HAVE BEEN GIVING IT AT 'EM FOR THE LAST THREE WEEKS, IN THOSE ANNUAL MILITARY EXERCISES (YEAH, YOU GOT IT, BALIKATAN)! They usually pull this stunt every year, but this time things got interesting, cause Japan and Australia joined in too. You know, all this bullshit's going down at a time when things with China are sorta tense and stuff.
So yeah, take a look at this sleepy little fishing town in the northern Philippines called Aparri. It's got some fresh guests now, and the blue waters ain't so serene anymore. Instead, we got the flash of gunfire, 'cause US and Filipino soldiers turned the sandy shores into a battleground. Tanks, jeeps, tents, you name it, layin' waste to the place.
Check out this Second Lieutenant guy from the U.S. Marine Corps, Ben Gillman. He's part of the action, stopping some make-believe enemy invasion, repelling 'em, and preventin' their asses from landing.
It's all part of the Balikatan exercises, ya know, Filipino for shoulder to shoulder. This year they're tryin' out new shit, like NMESIS missile systems (nicknamed ship killers) and conductin' the first-ever full battle test. The alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines dates back to a 1951 mutual defense treaty that means if some shit goes down in the Pacific region, both countries have to respond.
Haven't the region felt tense recently? Yeah, that's right. China and the Philippines been buttin' heads over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Plus, China's been upping the ante on Taiwan. So, all these exercises and drills are like a big ol' "We ain't backin' down" sign to China.
U.S. Lieutenant General Michael Cederholm thinks it's a success. He sees it as a sign of continued U.S. support in the region, and as far as he's concerned, the size of the drills reflects the commitment. But some, like Chester Cabalza, president of International Development and Security Cooperation, view things differently. China, ya see, is still the Philippines' number one trading partner, and they have strong ties with certain regions, even Cabalza's own northern province of Cagayan.
All this’s complicating things, especially with the U.S. slappin' 10% tariffs on Manila. And, ya know, speaking of buildin' things, them NMESIS missile systems? Total fucking success. The U.S. has confirmed they'll stick around for more drills. But, not everything went swimmingly. We were settlin' in for a show when US and Philippine assets were supposed to blow up a decommissioned ship in the South China Sea. That shit? Canceled. Just a few hours before its scheduled fuckin' destruction, the damn thing took on water and sank. Guess that's what they call a sinking feeling.
Anyways, that's what's shakin' down in Manila, for NPR News, I'm Jan Camenzind Broomby, coverin' all the drama you can handle!
P.S. If you're interested, here's some extra shit you might wanna know:
- The Balikatan military exercises are aimed at strengthening the alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, improving tactical proficiency, and enhancing military capabilities in various scenarios.
- These exercises serve as a deterrent against potential conflicts by demonstrating joint military capabilities but are not formally directed against any specific country.
- The term "Balikatan" signifies the enduring alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines, which is crucial in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Balikatan exercises indirectly address tensions with China over the South China Sea disputes, showcasing a united front against potential aggression.
- Japan and Australia are not primary participants in Balikatan but participate in other regional security initiatives, reinforcing the stability of the Indo-Pacific region.
- The U.S. and the Philippines' annual military exercises, dubbed Balikatan, have attracted additional allies this year, including Japan and Australia, amid ongoing tension with China.
- The Balikatan exercises focus on strengthening alliances, improving tactical proficiency, and enhancing military capabilities in various scenarios, serving as a deterrent against potential conflicts.
- While the Balikatan exercises are not directed against any specific country, they indirectly address tensions with China over the South China Sea disputes by showcasing a united front against potential aggression.
