Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are taking part in U.S.-Philippines joint exercises in a full operational role for the first time, a move aimed at tightening allied coordination as concerns grow about a potential “power vacuum” in Asia while the United States concentrates military resources on the Middle East, the Nikkei business daily reported.
According to Nikkei on the 21st, the United States and the Philippines began the large-scale Balikatan exercises on the 20th. This year, Japan is joining with a substantial troop presence for the first time, following the entry into force of a Reciprocal Access Agreement between Japan and the Philippines in September last year that facilitates troop movement between the two countries.
Nikkei said the drills go beyond routine military cooperation and reflect a response to shifts in U.S. strategy. It cited concerns that deterrence in the Indo-Pacific could weaken after the Donald Trump administration moved naval forces previously deployed in Asia to the Middle East to respond to Iran. With key assets such as U.S. Navy amphibious assault ships redeployed, regional governments have become more alert to a possible capability gap, and the Philippines is using joint exercises to help keep the United States engaged in the region, Nikkei said.
A senior U.S. military official said at the opening ceremony that “no matter what happens in other parts of the world, America’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific will not waver.”
Nikkei also pointed to the Philippines’ experience after the U.S. military withdrawal in 1992, saying China has expanded its influence in the South China Sea since then, shaping Manila’s current security approach.
The Philippines has recently broadened security cooperation not only with the United States but also with Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and France as it builds a wider network of partners. Cooperation with Japan has deepened quickly. Japan became the third country after Australia and the United Kingdom to sign a Reciprocal Access Agreement with the Philippines, effectively elevating ties to a “quasi-alliance,” Nikkei said. The two sides also signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement in January to provide mutual support such as fuel and ammunition.
Nikkei said Japan’s role in Balikatan is also changing. The Self-Defense Forces had previously participated as observers, but this time about 1,400 personnel will take part in operational training including maritime drills and missile defense exercises. Near the South China Sea, they are also set to join live-fire training using Type 88 surface-to-ship missiles.
Philippine armed forces chief of staff Romeo Brawner was quoted by Nikkei as saying it was meaningful to welcome Japanese combat units for the first time since the end of the war.
Nikkei said the Philippines sees limits to acting alone given the military gap with China and is seeking deterrence through cooperation with partners including Japan. Japan, for its part, is expanding its defense role and increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Nikkei added that uncertainty remains. The Philippines relies on the Middle East for a significant share of its energy imports, and a prolonged period of instability there could constrain military activity.
Overall, Nikkei said the exercises illustrate a shifting Indo-Pacific security landscape, as allies and partners seek to sustain deterrence through cooperation while U.S. forces are spread across regions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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