The upcoming Balikatan military exercises between the Philippines and the United States will focus on “multi-domain” operations and training with advanced missile systems, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced Tuesday.

Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said the exercises are part of the military’s shift from unilateral to multilateral training.

“The thrust of the AFP... is to go from unilateral to bilateral to multilateral,” Trinidad said. “For Balikatan, we are looking at expanding the different activities that will allow the AFP to train in a multi-domain environment with modern weapons to include different missile systems.”

Trinidad described the inclusion of modern US weaponry as a “great stopgap” while the Philippines awaits the full implementation of its own modernization program. While he confirmed the training would involve missile systems, he declined to provide operational details or specific deployment plans.

Addressing regional tensions, Trinidad characterized China’s actions as the primary “source of regional instability.” He cited China’s aggressive military buildup, nuclear program, and what he termed “ICAD” activities — illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive foreign influence.

“Our actions, our modest modernization program, are a rational and sovereign act of the Republic of the Philippines,” Trinidad said.

The spokesperson also addressed recent comments by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Romualdez regarding a possible Chinese military base at Scarborough Shoal. Trinidad said while the AFP has not monitored physical construction on the shoal, a heavy presence of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia persists.