Chinese warships spotted during naval drills in WPS

The Philippine Navy reported the presence of two Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels during the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) with Australia, Canada, and the United States in the West Philippine Sea on September 2 and 3.

These Chinese warships were monitored 40 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc.

The PLA Navy warships followed the international task group but did not participate in any synchronized movements.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, stated that such messages from China are part of their malign influence operations to justify their illegal presence in the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The naval drills, the 10th since April 2024, proceeded and were carried out in the waters off Palauig and San Antonio, Zambales.

Participating naval assets included the Philippine Navy's BRP Jose Rizal, Australia's HMAS Brisbane, Canada's HMCS Ville de Quebéc, and US P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

Combined naval events included a photo exercise, a vertical replenishment, and a personnel exchange to share best practices.