Chinese vessels kept distance during PH-France maritime drills

Chinese vessels maintained a significant distance of over 120 nautical miles during joint maritime exercises between the Philippines and France in the West Philippine Sea last week.

Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad stated that no People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, Coast Guard, or maritime militia vessels were observed in close proximity during the drills.

Trinidad highlighted that the presence of foreign navies, such as the French Navy, strengthens relationships and contributes to the safety of the region.

He further noted that China's warships tend to reduce their "illegal and coercive actions" when multinational exercises involving other countries are conducted.

The Philippine Navy official welcomed international cooperation as a means to observe and protect the rules-based international order.

Trinidad also indicated that a decrease in China's aggressive actions is observed during such multilateral or bilateral maritime cooperative activities.

More similar joint exercises are anticipated in the future to further enhance regional maritime cooperation and security.