![[Asia Centre in the medias] Korea & France can present new middle power partnership amid geopolitical tensions • Arnaud Leveau, PhD](https://asiacentre.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AL_AirangNews-300x150.png)
Arnaud Leveau, PhD, president of Asia Centre, was interviewed b rfa, Radio Free Asia, on April 21st about 2026 Balikatan exercises, considering it will highlight Manila’s more ‘active defense posture’.
“Experts note that Philippines remains anchored in alliance with US, but will assert more agency over own defense.”
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines is slowly shifting to a more “active defense posture,” analysts told Radio Free Asia, as Manila and Washington launch the largest-ever iteration of their annual war games this week.
The increased scope of the “Balikatan” exercises reflect the Philippines taking on a more decisive role in its own defense, while still remaining strongly committed to its bilateral alliance with the United States, the analysts said.
Though officials leading in “Balikatan” exercises do not mention China by name, the war games are occurring amid increased Chinese tensions in the sea. Japan, which, like the Philippines, also faces territorial challenges from China in the East China Sea, is playing a more direct and active role in this year’s drills, reflecting its growing defense ties with Manila.
[…]