Chinese aircraft carrier group shadows Philippine waters as Balikatan 2025 drills begin

A Chinese aircraft carrier battle group was monitored near the Philippines’ northern maritime boundaries this week, coinciding with the start of Balikatan 2025, the joint military exercises between the Philippine Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces.

The Philippine Navy confirmed that Chinese naval assets, including an aircraft carrier and several escort vessels, transited close to Philippine territorial waters without crossing into them. The movement took place shortly before the six-day Balikatan exercises commenced on Thursday, spanning maritime regions from Subic Bay to Northern Luzon.

Officials from the Philippine military, speaking through official statements, described the presence of the Chinese carrier group as a cause for “heightened situational awareness” but stressed that all monitoring activities were conducted in accordance with international law. No hostile engagements or confrontations were reported.

What Happened Near Philippine Waters Before Balikatan 2025?

According to information released by the Philippine Navy, the Chinese flotilla maintained its passage through international waters yet operated within proximity to Philippine maritime zones considered strategically important. Monitoring assets, including surface ships and maritime patrol aircraft, tracked the Chinese vessels’ movements continuously.

Military analysts interpret the timing of the transit as a potential signal from Beijing aimed at demonstrating its regional military capabilities amidst strengthening defence ties between Manila and Washington. While official Philippine military channels maintained a neutral posture in describing the event, security commentators linked the carrier group’s presence to China‘s broader regional messaging efforts.

What Is the Scope of Balikatan 2025 Exercises?

Balikatan 2025, meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder,” reflects one of the largest joint military exercises ever staged between the Philippines and the United States. The drills involve over 17,000 troops and are focused on amphibious operations, integrated air and missile defence, cyber defence, humanitarian assistance, and maritime security.

This year’s exercises emphasise real-world operational scenarios, including the defence of critical sea lanes, island fortifications, and counter-landing operations. Advanced U.S. military systems such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and naval “ship-killer” missiles have been deployed for live-fire exercises.

Japanese forces from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force have also joined the drills, marking a significant expansion of multilateral cooperation within Balikatan. Japanese officials indicated that their participation supports broader Indo-Pacific security efforts amid heightened regional challenges.

Why Is the Chinese Carrier Group’s Presence Significant?

The presence of the Chinese carrier group near Philippine waters during Balikatan underscores the region’s fragile security environment. China’s military expansion, particularly in the South China Sea, has been a growing concern for neighbouring states and their allies.

Although the Chinese vessels operated within the bounds of international maritime law, the proximity to Philippine military activities during Balikatan sends a complex strategic signal. According to regional security experts, Beijing is likely attempting to reinforce its claims and project strength without crossing the threshold into open confrontation.

Historically, China has objected to foreign military activities in what it considers its near seas. The Philippines, supported by a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), rejects Chinese claims to much of the South China Sea.

How Does Japan’s Participation Reflect Broader Regional Changes?

Japan’s involvement in Balikatan 2025 is a tangible indicator of shifting regional security dynamics. Under Tokyo’s revised National Security Strategy, Japan has pledged to take a more proactive role in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The deployment of a Japanese naval vessel alongside U.S. and Philippine forces highlights the growing multilateral character of regional security efforts. Defence experts suggest that future Balikatan exercises may see even broader participation from countries like Australia and South Korea.

Japan’s participation also signals a unified front on issues ranging from the South China Sea disputes to the increasing tensions over Taiwan. As China continues to assert itself militarily, nations in the Indo-Pacific appear increasingly aligned in their approach to collective defence.

What Is the Recent History Behind Rising Tensions?

Tensions in the South China Sea have intensified over the past decade, particularly after China’s large-scale island-building projects and the militarisation of contested reefs and shoals. In parallel, Beijing has increased naval, coast guard, and militia operations to assert control over key waterways.

Taiwan remains another critical flashpoint. China’s military activities around the island have expanded, including exercises simulating blockades and amphibious assaults. With the Philippines located near the Bashi Channel — a vital strategic corridor — Manila’s relevance in potential conflict scenarios has significantly increased.

The Philippines’ renewed military engagements with the United States, bolstered by agreements such as the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), have drawn sharp criticism from Beijing. However, Philippine officials have maintained that their alliances serve defensive purposes and uphold international norms.

How Is the Situation Developing on the Ground?

As of Friday evening, Balikatan 2025 exercises were proceeding as planned across multiple sites. Philippine and U.S. forces were engaged in joint air, land, and maritime operations. Maritime patrols continued to monitor the area surrounding Northern Luzon for any additional movements by foreign vessels.

Military officials have reiterated that all activities remain defensive and focused on interoperability, disaster response, and mutual defence capabilities. Japan’s presence in the exercises has added operational depth, particularly in maritime coordination and amphibious warfare.

No additional incidents involving the Chinese carrier group were reported throughout the day. Defence authorities stressed that situational awareness would remain heightened for the duration of Balikatan.

What Are the Implications for Regional Security?

The developments surrounding Balikatan 2025 suggest that military cooperation among Indo-Pacific democracies is entering a new phase. As regional tensions continue to simmer, exercises like Balikatan serve both as preparation for crisis response and as deterrents against potential aggression.

The evolving security landscape indicates that future joint drills could become even more extensive, with greater integration of air, sea, cyber, and space capabilities. With the Philippines at the geographic crossroads of key regional flashpoints, its role in the Indo-Pacific security architecture appears set to expand further.

Balikatan 2025 reflects not just bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, but a broader, deepening network of partnerships intended to uphold a free, open, and rules-based international order in Asia’s contested maritime spaces.