Stratbase Supports Balikatan Amid WPS Tensions

Article by F. Palafox

Published on April 21, 2026 8:20AM

MANILA, Philippines — The Stratbase Institute on Sunday voiced strong backing for the Philippines' largest-ever Balikatan exercises, urging deeper military ties with allies and a robust defense stance in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as tensions with China escalate. ¹

Stratbase president and CEO Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit hailed the April 20 to May 8 drills, involving over 17,000 troops from the Philippines, the US, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand, as a vital signal of resolve. These exercises affirm the Philippines' alliances and commitment to a rules-based order against China's coercion and disregard for the 2016 arbitral ruling, marking its 10th anniversary in July. ¹

Manhit stressed that the 2016 victory, secured under former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, once Stratbase's chairman, is "final and non-negotiable," warning against diluting it through inaction. Amid China's ongoing aggressive actions in the WPS, the think tank described the Philippines as in a "state of active defense," cautioning against trading sovereignty for untrustworthy Chinese promises. ¹

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¹ 1Sambayan: Energy deals in WPS must follow PH laws - Inquirer.net https://www.inquirer.net/472487/1sambayan-energy-deals-in-wps-must-follow-ph-laws/