It was a routine patrol, until it wasn’t. In October 2023, a Philippine supply boat making a routine resupply run to its outpost in the South China Sea found itself in a high-stakes standoff. A towering Chinese coast guard ship cut across its path, forcing the smaller Philippine vessel into dangerous waters. A deafening warning blared over loudspeakers: “Leave immediately.” Then, without warning, a powerful water cannon struck, damaging the boat and injuring crew members. The world watched as the Philippines, outgunned but defiant, vowed to resist. Days later, U.S. officials reaffirmed their ironclad commitment under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), warning that an attack on Philippine forces in the South China Sea would trigger a U.S. response.
This is not just another episode in a long history of tensions. It is a flashpoint in a rapidly shifting military landscape. Once a colony under American rule, the Philippines has seen its alliance with the U.S. wax and wane, from hosting major U.S. military bases during the Cold War to ejecting them in 1992, only to welcome U.S. forces back decades later under new security agreements.
Now, with China’s aggressive maneuvers pushing the region closer to conflict, Manila and Washington are forging their strongest military ties in decades. New access agreements, expanded war games, and an increasingly assertive security posture signal one thing: the U.S.-Philippines military alliance is not just enduring, it is evolving into a frontline defense against an emerging superpower’s ambitions.
Key Elements of the Current Philippines-U.S. Military Relationship
Established in 2014, the EDCA permits U.S. forces rotational access to designated Philippine military bases, aiming to support both nations’ defense capabilities. Initially, five sites were identified: Cesar Basa Air Base (Pampanga), Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation (Nueva Ecija), Lumbia Airport (Cagayan de Oro), Antonio Bautista Air Base (Palawan), and Benito Air Base (Cebu). In 2023, four additional sites were approved, including locations in Cagayan and Isabela provinces, strategically positioned near Taiwan and the South China Sea.
The Philippine Department of National Defense emphasized the significance of these expansions: “The recent designation of new EDCA sites is a significant step in supporting our defense posture and ensuring a more credible deterrent.” These sites facilitate the pre-positioning of defense equipment, joint training, and humanitarian assistance operations. In 2024, the U.S. The Department of Defense allocated $109 million for infrastructure projects at EDCA sites, with an additional $128 million requested for Fiscal Year 2025.
The annual “Balikatan” exercises epitomize the robust military collaboration between the Philippines and the U.S. In 2024, these exercises saw participation from over 17,600 troops, marking the largest iteration to date. These drills encompass amphibious operations, live-fire exercises, and counterterrorism training.
Highlighting their importance, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command stated, “Balikatan is a crucial exercise that enhances interoperability between our forces and strengthens our ability to respond to a range of security challenges.” In November 2024, the Philippine military conducted drills simulating the seizure of an island in the South China Sea, involving over 3,000 personnel from the army, navy, and air force.
The United States continues to provide substantial military aid to the Philippines, focusing on maritime security, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance. In 2024, the U.S. Department of Defense allocated $109 million toward infrastructure projects at EDCA sites, with an additional $128 million requested for Fiscal Year 2025 .
This assistance includes the provision of patrol vessels, surveillance systems, and training programs, enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The Philippine Security Sector Assistance Roadmap (P-SSAR), finalized in July 2024, aligns joint priorities to bolster AFP and PCG capabilities over the next five to ten years.
The 1951 MDT remains the cornerstone of Philippines-U.S. defense relations. Recent dialogues have sought to clarify its applicability, especially concerning the South China Sea. In December 2024, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed the treaty’s scope, stating, “Our commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty remains ironclad.” This assurance underscores that any armed attack on Philippine forces, including those of its Coast Guard, in the Pacific or the West Philippine Sea, would trigger mutual defense obligations .
Such clarifications are pivotal in deterring potential aggressors and ensuring regional stability. The Philippines-U.S. military relationship has been significantly strengthened through expanded EDCA sites, extensive joint exercises, substantial military aid, and reaffirmed mutual defense commitments. These collaborative efforts underscore a shared dedication to regional security and stability.
Factors Driving the Strengthening Philippines-U.S. Military Relationship
China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, including the construction of artificial islands and the militarization of contested areas, have heightened regional tensions. A recent example is China’s deployment of its coast guard and maritime militia to enforce its claims, particularly against the Philippines. In December 2024, a confrontation near the Scarborough Shoal involved a Chinese coast guard vessel firing water cannons and colliding with a Philippine government ship during a routine patrol.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s Commodore Jay Tarriela condemned the incident, stating, “The Chinese vessel intentionally sideswiped our ship, endangering the lives of our crew.” These aggressive maneuvers highlights the Philippines’ need for robust support from allies like the United States to uphold its sovereignty.​
The Indo-Pacific region’s geopolitical landscape is increasingly influenced by China’s expanding military capabilities and strategic initiatives. Beijing’s “gray zone” tactics, actions that fall between peace and open conflict, aim to incrementally assert control without provoking direct military responses.
These include frequent military exercises near Taiwan and the establishment of settlements in contested Himalayan regions. Regional security experts emphasize that strengthening alliances, such as the Philippines-U.S. partnership, is crucial to maintaining a balance of power and deterring unilateral actions that could destabilize the region.
The Philippines continues to face threats from extremist groups, particularly in its southern regions. The 2017 Battle of Marawi highlighted the severity of this challenge, with militants seizing the city for five months. U.S. assistance was pivotal during this conflict, providing real-time surveillance, intelligence, and urban warfare training, which were instrumental in reclaiming the city.
Recognizing the ongoing threat, in 2019, the U.S. launched a three-year program aimed at countering extremist recruitment and radicalization in the southern Philippines, focusing on addressing underlying socio-economic issues. This collaboration shows the shared commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.​
The Philippines and the United States are united by a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. These shared values form the foundation of their alliance, guiding joint efforts to uphold international law and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. In response to China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, both nations emphasize the importance of adhering to international rulings, such as the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration decision favoring the Philippines.
This alignment reinforces their collective resolve to counter actions that threaten regional order and sovereignty.​ The strengthening of the Philippines-U.S. military relationship is driven by shared security concerns, collaborative counterterrorism efforts, and a mutual dedication to democratic principles and regional stability.
Challenges and Potential Issues in the Philippines-U.S. Military Relationship
The Philippines’ internal political dynamics significantly influence its alliance with the United States. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., since his 2022 inauguration, has navigated a complex foreign policy landscape. Initially advocating a balanced approach, Marcos Jr. has leaned towards strengthening defense ties with Western nations, including the U.S., to counter China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea. This shift aligns with public sentiment favoring national sovereignty and security. However, future political shifts could recalibrate this stance, affecting the continuity of the alliance.
The Philippines faces the intricate task of maintaining robust economic relations with China while addressing security concerns through its alliance with the U.S. China remains a pivotal trade partner, making economic cooperation essential. President Marcos Jr. has expressed a desire to de-escalate tensions, proposing the removal of U.S. missile systems from Philippine territory if China ceases its aggressive actions in the South China Sea. He emphasized, “If there is no threat, then there is no need to station these weapons here.” ​
Enhancing military interoperability between the Philippines and the U.S. necessitates addressing operational and logistical hurdles. Coordinating joint exercises, standardizing equipment, and upgrading defense infrastructure are critical components. The recent agreement between the Philippines and Canada to support defense ties exemplifies efforts to enhance military capabilities and readiness. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana highlighted, “This partnership aims to improve our defense posture and ensure preparedness against evolving threats.”
The volatile environment of the South China Sea presents a constant risk of unintended escalations. Incidents such as the close encounter between a Chinese military helicopter and a Philippine aircraft near the Scarborough Shoal underscore this peril. Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo condemned the maneuver as “reckless and unprofessional,” urging adherence to international law to prevent future incidents.
The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to the mutual defense treaty, with a State Department spokesperson stating, “An armed attack on Philippine forces in the South China Sea will trigger our obligations under the treaty.” The Philippines-U.S. military alliance navigates a complex landscape shaped by domestic politics, the necessity of balancing economic and security interests with China, operational challenges in defense collaboration, and the omnipresent risk of miscalculations in contested regions.
Future Outlook of the Philippines-U.S. Military Relationship
The Philippines and the United States are poised to further solidify their military alliance through expanded joint exercises, increased military aid, and enhanced defense cooperation. In 2023, the two nations conducted their largest-ever Balikatan exercises, involving over 17,600 troops and incorporating advanced training scenarios such as live-fire drills and cyber defense operations. This trend of escalating collaboration is expected to persist, with discussions underway to identify additional sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). In February 2023, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the designation of four new EDCA sites, strategically located to bolster defense capabilities in the region.
Maritime security remains a cornerstone of the bilateral defense agenda, particularly concerning the South China Sea disputes. Both nations are investing in joint maritime domain awareness initiatives to monitor and deter unauthorized activities in contested waters. The recent agreement to restore and enhance the Subic Bay Airfield underscores the commitment to strengthening maritime patrol operations and rapid response capabilities.
The deployment of advanced missile systems, such as the U.S. Mid-Range Capability (MRC) missile system, reflects a proactive stance in safeguarding maritime interests. Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized the system’s importance, stating, “We aim to keep this defense asset permanently to ensure our maritime security.” ​
The Philippines-U.S. alliance plays a pivotal role in broader regional security frameworks, including collaborations with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) nations, Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. In April 2024, a historic joint patrol in the South China Sea was conducted, involving naval forces from the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia. This operation marked the first multinational patrol among these nations, highlighting a unified approach to maintaining regional stability. Such multilateral engagements are anticipated to increase, fostering interoperability and collective security among like-minded countries.
The evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region necessitate a robust and adaptive Philippines-U.S. strategic partnership. The signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2024 facilitates the exchange of classified intelligence and access to advanced U.S. military technologies, including missile systems and satellite surveillance. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro remarked, “This agreement elevates our defense collaboration, ensuring we are better equipped to address emerging security challenges.”
Looking ahead, both nations are committed to a comprehensive partnership that addresses a spectrum of security concerns, from traditional military threats to non-traditional challenges such as cyber warfare and humanitarian assistance.​ The Philippines-U.S. military relationship is on a trajectory of deepening cooperation, with a clear focus on enhancing defense capabilities, ensuring maritime security, engaging in regional collaborations, and solidifying a long-term strategic alliance to effectively navigate the complexities of the evolving security landscape.
END NOTE
The Philippines-U.S. military alliance has evolved into a crucial pillar of regional security, driven by shared strategic interests and growing defense cooperation. From countering Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea to enhancing joint military capabilities through expanded EDCA sites and large-scale exercises like Balikatan, the partnership has strengthened significantly. Maritime security remains a focal point, with joint patrols and intelligence-sharing reinforcement stability in contested waters.
Additionally, the alliance plays a vital role in broader regional collaborations, aligning with partners such as Japan and Australia to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific. Despite challenges like domestic political shifts and balancing economic ties with China, the strategic importance of this partnership cannot be overstated. As both nations continue to deepen defense ties through advanced military aid, technology sharing, and multilateral cooperation, the Philippines-U.S. alliance is poised to remain a cornerstone of regional security, ensuring stability and deterrence in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
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