Amid China’s recent patrols in the West Philippine Sea, militaries from the Philippines, the United States, Japan, and Australia participated in a joint maritime exercise within the Southeast Asian nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Wednesday.
The 6th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) aims to demonstrate a collective commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the joint exercise underscores the shared commitment of the participating countries to upholding the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as respect for maritime rights under international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The AFP stated that the naval and air force units of the four countries will operate together to enhance cooperation and interoperability among their militaries.
The MMCA was conducted after the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command reported that three Chinese warships were spotted in Philippine territorial waters.
The vessels of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China navigated through the Mindoro Strait towards the Sulu Sea without diplomatic coordination with the Philippines.
WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Antonio Nafarrete noted that the Chinese vessels maintained an “unusually” slow speed of 4 to 5 knots.
On Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that two China Coast Guard vessels previously spotted as close as 34 nautical miles off Bolinao, Pangasinan, had exited the Philippines’ EEZ.
Meanwhile, the air forces of the Philippines and the United States conducted joint patrols over the South China Sea on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Air Force.
In response, China accused the Philippines of involving external powers like the United States in conducting “joint air patrols” aimed at “undermining peace and stability in the South China Sea.”
The Air Force of the Southern Theater Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) claimed that it conducted a “routine cruise” over Scarborough Shoal on Tuesday, the same day the Philippines and the US carried out joint bomber air patrols and air intercept training.
Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo emphasized that the exercise is a crucial step in “enhancing the Philippines’ interoperability, improving air domain awareness, and agile combat employment.”
However, PLA Air Force spokesperson Col. Li Jianjian stated that China’s air force remains on high alert, vowing to “resolutely defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests” while closely monitoring any military activities that could destabilize the region.
Last year, Chinese fighter jets fired flares to drive away Philippine aircraft during a patrol over Scarborough Shoal, prompting the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to condemn China’s actions and file a diplomatic protest.
The recent joint exercise and China’s response highlight the ongoing tensions in the region, with the Philippines and its allies seeking to promote regional cooperation and uphold international law, while China asserts its claims to the disputed territory.
