AFP denies Chinese military exercises in Bajo de Masinloc

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified that no military exercises are currently taking place in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

This statement addresses earlier reports suggesting Chinese military activities in the area.

Colonel Xerxes Trinidad of the AFP stated that ground reports indicate no Chinese military exercises or combat patrols, apart from the usual presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels.

However, the AFP did confirm the sighting of three People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels, identified as the WUZHOU, HUANGSHAN, and QUJING corvettes.

These Chinese vessels were observed trailing the ongoing Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) involving Australia, Canada, the Philippines, and the United States.

The AFP emphasized that the safety of personnel and the successful completion of the MMCA remain top priorities.

The most recent reported Chinese exercises in the northern South China Sea concluded between July 31 and August 2.