2026 Balikatan exercises will highlight Manila’s more ‘active defense posture’

The Philippines is adopting a more active defense posture by hosting the largest-ever Balikatan military exercises with the U.S. and partner nations including Japan, France, Canada, and Australia. The 17,000-personnel drills reflect Manila's growing agency in its own defense while maintaining its alliance with the U.S., amid increasing Chinese maritime tensions in disputed waters.