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DND: Joint maritime activity a ‘show of unity’ to China
The Department of National Defense (DND) stated that the joint maritime cooperative activity (MCA) between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States in the West Philippine Sea should not escalate tensions with China.
The MCA is scheduled to take place within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and will adhere to international law.
The primary objective of this activity is to uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight, along with respecting maritime rights as stipulated by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
This joint endeavor also serves to showcase the four participating nations' unified dedication to fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region through enhanced cooperation.
Senator Francis Tolentino expressed his belief that the naval drills will contribute to stability in the West Philippine Sea, suggesting it reminds China that regional peace benefits all parties involved.
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The Philippines, United States, Australia, and Japan successfully concluded their first multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday, April 7, with no untoward incidents.
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Senator Francis Tolentino believes that the Philippines' joint maritime patrol with Australia, Japan, and the United States in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including the West Philippine Sea (WPS), enhances regional stability and deters China's maritime bullying.
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The first-ever multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea, involving the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States, was deemed successful by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hopes that Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea will be avoided following a joint maritime activity with the US, Japan, and Australia.
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