Philippines and US conduct biggest Balikatan drills with Japan joining near South China Sea

Japan joins for first time as drills target

Philippine and US forces are holding large-scale Balikatan counter-landing drills in Palawan, rehearsing coastal defense and repelling mock assaults near the South China Sea. The exercises are billed as the largest to date, with Japan participating for the first time. Allies are practicing to protect vital resources while demonstrating readiness amid rising regional tensions.