PH, US, Japan, Australia complete maritime drills in WPS amid Chinese navy presence

The Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia successfully completed their sixth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, despite the presence of Chinese navy vessels.

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessels were monitored operating at a distance but did not interfere with the drills, allowing the exercise to proceed smoothly.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. stated that the activity highlights the strong cooperation and interoperability among the participating nations' armed forces.

He also emphasized that the MMCA, conducted in accordance with international law, ensures safe navigation while respecting the rights and interests of all states.

The exercise reflects a shared commitment to upholding freedom of navigation, overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace as outlined in the UNCLOS.

The Philippines deployed the BRP Jose Rizal and Philippine Air Force search and rescue assets.

Australia participated with HMAS Hobart and a P-8A Poseidon, Japan with JS Akizuki, and the United States with USS Benfold and a P-8A Poseidon.

The MMCA included various operational drills to enhance coordination and interoperability among naval and air force units.