MANILA - The Philippines, together with its long-time military ally, the United States, are already in full gear for the kickoff of this year’s Balikatan Exercises that is set to happen on April 20-30 in strategic locations of the country particularly in the provinces of Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Zambales of the Central Luzon region.
According to the official Facebook page for this event, Balikatan means "shoulder-to-shoulder," and characterizes the spirit of this bilateral Philippines-U.S. exercise.
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| Philippines and United States now ready for Balikatan 2015 Exercises | Credit: Exercise Balikatan Facebook page |
The 10-day joint activities to be participated by nearly 12,000 Filipino and American soldiers this 2015 has been an annual staple event in the region which main goal is to aid each other in strengthening the relations of both countries specifically in military equipment and skills advancement, enhancing Manila’s capability in disaster management, humanitarian assistance and promotion of a stable ring of security on its territories.
For the second time around, the Australian government is set to join again after a successful participation last year.
Balikatan 2015 amidst West Philippine Sea Territorial Conflict
Despite the mounting tension between China and its neighboring countries on the issue of territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the 31st edition of Balikatan (BK15) will push through and will surely parallel those of its previous editions thereby strengthening the position of the United States on its unwavering support on its strongest Southeast Asian ally. Although the goal of the wargames is to fortify the relationship of the three countries involved, it will be perceived to deliver a strong message of opposition from the world’s superpower with regards to the complicated geographical expansion being brought by the rising China.
China is known for claiming almost the entirety of the South China Sea through its ostentatious nine-dash line in which its neighboring countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines that also has their own claims on the said area disapproves of. The area is believed to comprise of vast natural resources such as natural gas and oil.
No night life for G.I. Joes
The involvement of U.S. Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton in the alleged murder of a Filipina transgender Jennifer Laude in Olongapo, Zambales in October of last year fueled a strong outrage of emotion from the public. The U.S. Marine officer is currently being tried on the said case and as part of avoiding another grave case similar to that of Laude’s, the U.S. military contingent who will be in the country will be banned from engaging themselves in night life activities during the wargames according to the U.S. Military Pacific Command. - Michael Santiago, TheSummitExpress
We hope you guys are as excited about Balikatan as we are. Here's a teaser that highlights our nations' militaries doing what they do best!(United States Marine Corps by Staff Sgt. Jason Fudge)
Posted by Exercise Balikatan on Friday, April 10, 2015
Balikatan 2015 amidst West Philippine Sea Territorial Conflict
Despite the mounting tension between China and its neighboring countries on the issue of territorial dispute in the South China Sea, the 31st edition of Balikatan (BK15) will push through and will surely parallel those of its previous editions thereby strengthening the position of the United States on its unwavering support on its strongest Southeast Asian ally. Although the goal of the wargames is to fortify the relationship of the three countries involved, it will be perceived to deliver a strong message of opposition from the world’s superpower with regards to the complicated geographical expansion being brought by the rising China.
China is known for claiming almost the entirety of the South China Sea through its ostentatious nine-dash line in which its neighboring countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines that also has their own claims on the said area disapproves of. The area is believed to comprise of vast natural resources such as natural gas and oil.
No night life for G.I. Joes
The involvement of U.S. Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton in the alleged murder of a Filipina transgender Jennifer Laude in Olongapo, Zambales in October of last year fueled a strong outrage of emotion from the public. The U.S. Marine officer is currently being tried on the said case and as part of avoiding another grave case similar to that of Laude’s, the U.S. military contingent who will be in the country will be banned from engaging themselves in night life activities during the wargames according to the U.S. Military Pacific Command. - Michael Santiago, TheSummitExpress
