The Philippines, along with the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand, formally commenced Exercise Balikatan 2026, marking the 41st iteration of the biggest annual joint military drill across Southeast Asia on April 20.
Category: Defence
China pushes back against expanding Balikatan military drills
Commenced on April 20, the 41st iteration of Exercise Balikatan, an annual joint military exercise between the US and the Philippines, has drawn sharp criticism from the Chinese authorities.
19 NPA fighters killed in as Philippine Army intensify operations in Negros Occidental
Heavy crossfire between the 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) under the Philippines Armed Forces and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) erupted on April 19 in Sitio Plaringding within the municipality of Toboso, Negros Occidental.
US and Indonesia launch major defense pact
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth received the Indonesian Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at the Pentagon, Virginia, on April 13 to announce the establishment of the Major Defense Cooperation Partnership (MDCP).
Malaysia PM urges critics to recognise diplomatic efforts on Iran and Gaza
The government’s diplomatic efforts, saying Malaysia’s firm stance on conflicts involving Iran and Gaza has strengthened the country’s international standing and facilitated access for Malaysian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea and Indonesia expand cooperation on minerals and technology
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held talks in Seoul on April 1 with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, with the two leaders agreeing to expand cooperation in critical minerals, technology and clean energy, according to the Office of the President of South Korea.
More Indonesian peacekeepers killed in Lebanon blast
Two Indonesian peacekeepers were killed and two others were injured after a blast of explosion hit the UN Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) logistics convoy on March 30 near Bani Hayyan, destroying their vehicles. This was the second incident within the past 24 hours following the Ett Taibe incident that killed one peacekeeper.
Indonesia condemns death of its UNIFIL peacekeeper in Lebanon
An Indonesian peacekeeping personnel in Lebanon, Farizal Romadhon, was killed, and other critically injured due to the indirect artillery fire that blasted near Adchit Al Qusayr on March 29, in what is strongly suspected to have been caused by an Israeli projectile explosion that landed close to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) headquarters.
Thai commander accuses Cambodian forces of breaching ceasefire
On March 27, a Thai marine commander has accused Cambodian forces of repeatedly provoking Thai troops along the frontier in Trat province, saying gunfire heard over the past week could amount to breaches of the December ceasefire and warning that Thailand would respond if the incidents continue.
The Philippines uncovers Chinese spy network within security services
At least three Filipino officers admitted that they are part of the Chinese intelligence network on March 21.