Philippines

This year’s Balikatan exercises focus on territorial defense in two of the most sensitive fault lines in the China-U.S. rivalry: the disputed South China Sea and the Bashi Channel.

A statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila described a “temporary special arrangement” supposedly agreed to during a visit to Beijing by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

For the first time, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has spoken out about the growing tensions between the two political clans.

Even though Balikatan is almost a 40-year tradition, this year’s exercises are larger and more pronounced than past iterations. And China is watching.

Earlier this week, two Philippine vessels were damaged in the latest confrontation with China Coast Guard patrol boats in the South China Sea.

The incident near Chinese-occupied Scarborough Shoal caused damage to two vessels, the Philippine government said.

The Philippines is among the nations worst affected by the sweltering weather in Southeast Asia.

Earlier this month, a Chinese embassy spokesperson said that the two nations had reached a "common understanding" on the dispute.

The two sides say that the pact, first announced late last year, will create a foundation for enhanced defense cooperation.

Across the region, it’s never been more critical to cultivate a resilient healthcare workforce capable of addressing climate-induced public health issues.

The Philippines' largest island has become the focus of U.S. and Japanese attempts to counter China's growing power in the South China Sea.

This year's exercise, the 39th iteration since 1991, will be the first to take place outside the Philippines territorial waters.