US, Philippines to simulate ‘full-scale battle’ in Balikatan drills
Thousands of allied American and Filipino forces have opened annual combat drills that will include simulating the defense of the Philippines.
Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon chief to visit Philippines for security talks, envoy says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Philippines, the first stop in his first trip to the Indo-Pacific next week.
China’s shipbuilding dominance a national security risk for US: Report
A report details how China has grown to be the dominant global player in shipbuilding, dwarfing the U.S., which now has only 0.1% of the global market.
China unveils amphibious assault ship that can launch fighter jets
The Sichuan is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult that will allow fighter jets to launch directly off its deck.
Chinese warplanes track US Navy aircraft through the Taiwan Strait
A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft flew through the strait’s international space “in accordance with international law," the Navy said.
Airborne assault comes to Super Garuda Shield exercise in Indonesia
Super Garuda Shield in Indonesia expands with new participants and demonstrates new joint, combined operational capabilities.
‘Range of options’ ready for South China Sea aggression: US admiral
Washington and Beijing have been on a collision course over China’s increasingly assertive actions to defend its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
US military open to escorting Philippine ships in South China Sea
Adm. Samuel Paparo says the U.S. military is open to the possibility, depending on consultations under the allies’ 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
US Air Force eyes missile defense for dispersed bases in China fight
The Air Force plans to spread out forces during a fight with China, and Gen. David Allvin wants to do more to defend dispersed bases from missile attacks.
US Marines and Japanese military put new radar on Taiwan’s doorstep
The radar system combines five legacy platforms into once piece of gear and is part of efforts to make Marine littoral regiments agile and autonomous.
Austin pledges $500M in security aid to Philippines amid uncertainty
The aid is the latest sign of the strengthening security ties between the United States and The Philippines.
Pentagon creates regional partnerships to sustain gear far from home
The Pentagon has signed off on a regional sustainment framework to maintain equipment forward in theaters around the world, starting with the Indo-Pacific.
US renews call on China to stop aggressive actions in disputed sea
Washington’s top diplomat in Manila was joined by key allies in a forum to express alarm over increasing hostilities in the contested South China Sea.
China, Philippines set up hotline to prevent South China Sea clashes
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea have persisted between the two countries since last year, sparking fears of a larger armed conflict.
US, Philippines expand exercise to territorial edges amid tension with China
The U.S. is continuing to find ways to fortify defenses across the Pacific to deter China and counter its influence. The Philippines is key to that effort.
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command has a new leader
The combatant command oversees more than 380,000 U.S troops and civilians and is at the center of American efforts to counter China's military ascent.
US, Japan, S Korea hold drills in disputed sea as Biden hosts leaders
A number of U.S. and South Korean guided missile destroyers and a Japanese warship joined for drills in the disputed East China Sea.
