The United States and the Philippines have launched Balikatan 2026, the biggest joint military exercises in their history, with 17,000 troops from seven nations taking part in drills across the South China Sea and near Taiwan, reports Co-Pilot.

The exercises run from April 20 to May 8 and include forces from Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand. Naval assets deployed range from the USS Ashland and BRP Antonio Luna to Japan's JS Ise and Canada's HMCS Charlottetown.

Objectives include enhancing interoperability among allied navies and air forces, conducting live-fire drills such as BrahMos missile tests, and practicing anti-submarine warfare, gunnery, deck-landing, search-and-rescue, and medical evacuation operations.

Japan has sent about 1,400 troops, marking its first combat role in the Philippines since World War II. Canada has deployed more than 1,000 personnel, including infantry, cyber units, and special forces, making it the third-largest contributor after the US and the Philippines.

China has mounted parallel maneuvers, deploying its Liaoning aircraft carrier and Type 055 destroyers. Reports indicate hypersonic missile launches near Philippine waters, alongside grey-zone tactics such as barriers at Scarborough Shoal and flare incidents against Philippine aircraft.

The drills underscore Manila's pivot under President Marcos towards closer defense ties with allies, reversing the China-friendly stance of his predecessor. Japan's expanded role and Canada's full combat participation highlight a broader Indo-Pacific security alignment.

Analysts warn of rising risks of miscalculation. Unlike Taiwan, the South China Sea has no clear tripwire, with tensions building gradually through repeated incidents. The exercises signal allied resolve to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific, while China asserts sovereignty and deterrence.