WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, PHILIPPINES - APRIL 26, 2025: A fleet of United States and Philippine warships, including the USS Savannah (LCS 28) and USS Comstock (LSD-45), conducted a multilateral maritime exercise as part of the annual Balikatan exercise, in West Philippine Sea, Philippine, on Saturday, April 26. Known for its "full-battle scale", this year's Balikatan (Shoulder-to-Shoulder) exercises come at a time of heightened tensions between Beijing and Manila, after China increased its military aggression and activities in the highly contested waters of the South China Sea and West Philippine Sea, including using Chinese Coast Guard vessels to slam into Filipino Coast Guard ships. The U.S. and Philippines kicked off their annual military drills in disputed South China Sea on Monday amid ongoing tensions with Beijing. Named the “Super Bowl” of exercises in the region, the three-week “Balikatan," or "shoulder to shoulder," drills are being attended by more than 16,000 troops from both sides, the Philippine News Agency reported. The exercise includes an integrated air and missile defense simulation to be attended by President Ferdinand Marcos. Balikatan 25' is taking place from April 21 to May 9 in Luzon Strait, which lies between Philippine's Luzon island and Taiwan.