US, Philippines Open ‘Super Bowl’ of Drills Amid China Tensions

The Philippine Coast Guard members during a joint maritime exercise with Coast Guards from Japan and the US in 2023.Photographer: Veejay Villafranca/Bloomberg

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By Cliff Harvey Venzon

April 21, 2025 at 12:05 AM UTC

Updated on

April 21, 2025 at 8:22 AM UTC

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The US and the Philippines kicked off their flagship annual military drills Monday, touted as a “rehearsal” for Manila’s defense amid ongoing tensions with China.

Billed as the “Super Bowl” of exercises in the region, this year’s drills underscore the Trump administration’s intent on keeping military support for its long-time ally as it faces growing pressure from Beijing’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.