Philippine Navy’s Top Warships Join Balikatan 2026 to Boost Regional Security Something feels different about Balikatan this year. For decades, the annual exercise between the Philippines and the United States was framed as routine alliance maintenance. Training cycles. Interoperability drills. Symbolic reassurance. Important, yes but predictable. Balikatan 2026 doesn’t feel predictable. It feels deliberate. With…
Can Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines Deter China? Can Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines Really Deter China? That’s the question sitting quietly behind almost every strategic conversation in East Asia right now. Not “can they defeat China.” Not “can they outspend China.” But can they deter it? Can three very different actors, one economic heavyweight,…
US to Build Navy Repair Facilities in the Philippines (Palawan / near Second Thomas Shoal) “We are investing in facilities that will help the Philippines sustain its maritime presence in the West Philippine Sea.” That line dropped quietly in a briefing. But don’t let the calm wording fool you. Because here’s the real question no…
Japan’s Coastal Radar Transfer to the Philippines: Strategic Implications for Indo-Pacific Security “We will not stand alone.” That was the quiet but unmistakable message behind Tokyo’s latest move. This week, Japan formally transferred five coastal radar systems to the Philippines under its Official Security Assistance framework, a move that, on paper, costs about JP¥600 million….
