From CNN Philippines (Jun3, 2023): PH eyes more allied nations’ participation in Balikatan (By CNN Philippines Staff)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) — The Philippines is thinking of making the annual Balikatan exercises with the United States a multilateral event to include other allies, Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Saturday.
In the past years, smaller groups of soldiers from Australia have joined Philippine and US troops in the joint military training, and delegations from other countries, such as Japan, have been sent as observers.
The Philippines has a visiting forces agreement with only two countries – the US and Australia.
“We really explore possibly expanding the bilateral Balikatan exercises into a multilateral exercise,” Galvez said during the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-la Dialogue, an inter-governmental security conference held in Singapore.
“In the future, we might be expanding it with other allied nations,” he added.
In late April, Filipino and American troops successfully concluded the largest-ever Balikatan exercises, where nearly 18,000 troops participated, including over 100 Australian soldiers.
Live fire exercises were also held in Philippines waters for the first time, as witnessed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself.
https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/3/ph-eyes-balikatan-expansion.html
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