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South China Morning Post

Philippines' defence pacts bear fruit with expanded Balikatan military drills

Nineteen countries are taking part as observers in this year's Balikatan military exercise led by the Philippines and the United States – a record turnout that signals growing international alignment with Manila's defence posture amid heightened security concerns in the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement About 17,000 troops are taking part in the annual war games, which began on Monday and will run until May 9. Japan and Australia are joining the Philippines and the US as the main participants. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, public affairs chief of the Philippine military, said on Sunday that the countries involved in the drills as part of the international observers programme would 'enhance transparency and cooperation with allies and partners, strengthening regional solidarity'. The military said there would be a total of 19 observer countries at this year's Balikatan exercise – including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, France and South Korea – an increase from 14 at last year's drills. Chester Cabalza, president of the Manila-based International Development and Security Cooperation think tank, said the increase in observer nations at the annual drills highlighted 'the respectable command and leadership of the Philippines in defence partnership in the region'. Advertisement The level of involvement by the different countries also underscored Manila's strategic importance at the centre of the Indo-Pacific region, he added.