The U.S. and Philippine militaries wrapped up the 40th edition of the Balikatan Exercises on May 9, 2025, sending a clear warning to those challenging the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region: “Don’t mess with us.”
The closing ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City marked the conclusion of three weeks of intensive training, with a focus on reinforcing the strong alliance between the United States and the Philippines. Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commander of U.S. Joint Task Force Balikatan, were all present at the event.
In his address, Lt. Gen. Cederholm underscored that the Balikatan exercises serve as a testament to the “strength of the U.S.-Philippine alliance,” which, according to him, is “rooted in shared values and beliefs, shaped by history, and vital to the future of a prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific.”
He added, “Our alliances and partnerships are a strategic advantage in any scenario—be it conflict, crisis, or humanitarian response.”
This year’s joint military drills, which involved roughly 14,000 to 16,000 servicemen from both nations, were held across various regions, including maritime security operations in Palawan and Northern Luzon, sea denial drills in the Luzon Straits, and cyber defense exercises. The exercises also included live-fire drills using cutting-edge air and missile defense systems.
Notably, the Balikatan exercises were not solely focused on combat readiness. As Gen. Brawner emphasized, the event represented “enduring partnerships and collaborative resolve” in the face of growing regional tensions, particularly regarding China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Teodoro directly called out China’s actions, stating it was “obvious” which country “does not adhere to the rule of law,” referencing Beijing’s continued harassment of Philippine vessels in disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea. He said, “It is only China.”
Amid these tensions, the Balikatan exercises were a powerful demonstration of the Philippines’ commitment to defending its territorial integrity and its strategic partnership with the United States. “Together with the AFP, we put the ‘D’ in deterrence, defense, and don’t mess with us,” said Cederholm.
In addition to military operations, the two forces also conducted over 1,600 medical and dental exams, offering direct assistance to more than 75,000 Filipinos. The U.S. government invested $2.5 million in humanitarian missions, focusing on building schools, clinics, and health facilities, further solidifying the practical aspects of the alliance beyond military training.
Looking ahead, the Philippine and U.S. armed forces are already planning for Balikatan 2026. Teodoro expressed a desire for the next iteration of the exercises to feature new strategic areas and terrains. “Next year will not merely be an exercise in execution but a deep dive into why we’re training together,” he said. “That will enhance our interoperability, not only at the tactical level but also on operational and strategic levels.”
The Balikatan exercises this year highlighted a commitment to strengthening the partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines, reinforcing the importance of unity and resilience in confronting any adversary that threatens peace in the region.
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