China has been increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, claiming much of the disputed waters as its own. This has led to pushback from several Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines, resulting in heightened tensions in the region. The United States has been supporting these nations in their efforts to counter China’s territorial claims, […]
On Thursday, October 7, 2021, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana met in Manila to reaffirm their commitment to the longstanding alliance between the two countries. The two officials discussed a wide range of issues, including security cooperation, counterterrorism, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting was significant as it […]
The four military bases are the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, the Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, the Basa Air Base in Pampanga, and Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. These bases will serve as locations for the temporary stationing of US forces and equipment for maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster […]
The Balikatan exercises have been held since 1981 under the US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, which was signed in 1951 and remains the foundation of their defense alliance. The exercises were scaled down in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but were still able to proceed in a smaller format. This year’s Balikatan exercises come amid […]
The deployment of the F-22s, which are among the most advanced fighter jets in the world, is part of a larger operation between the US and Philippine armed forces, known as the Balikatan exercise. This annual exercise is designed to strengthen military ties and enhance interoperability between the two countries. The Balikatan exercise, which means […]
One key initiative is the use of science to identify areas that are most critical to the health of the West Philippine Sea ecosystem. By conducting marine surveys and monitoring marine life populations, researchers are able to pinpoint which areas should be given priority protection, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds that serve as […]
During her visit, Harris participated in a roundtable discussion with community leaders and representatives of civil society organizations to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the region, including climate change, economic development, and security. The Vice President emphasized the importance of working together to address these issues, highlighting the strong partnership between the US and […]
