Philippine, US military drills to facilitate closer relations with Japan

Manila anticipates 'historic joining' of Japanese forces as active participants in South China Sea

Philippine marines participate in an amphibious landing exercise as part of the annual joint U.S.-Philippine military exercises known as Balikatan, or "shoulder to shoulder", in May 2025 in Palawan province, the Philippines.  © AP

MANILA -- The Philippines and the U.S. are set to stage annual war games in the coming weeks, with more than 17,000 personnel participating as Japan joins the drills for the first time.