PH, allies hold joint maritime drills in EEZ

The Philippines, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States are conducting joint maritime drills within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone on September 28, 2024.

These Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activities involve naval and air force units from the participating nations, aiming to enhance cooperation and interoperability.

The exercises demonstrate a united commitment to fostering regional and international cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Australia is contributing assets such as the HMAS Sydney and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

The drills are conducted in a manner consistent with international law, respecting the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states.

This initiative by the Philippines follows its efforts to bolster defense agreements and training engagements with foreign partners amidst rising assertiveness from China in the West Philippine Sea.

Notably, the Philippines recently signed an agreement with Japan allowing reciprocal troop access.

This comes as the Chinese military's Southern Theater Command announced its own drills and patrols in disputed areas of the South China Sea, focusing on reconnaissance and early warning activities around the Scarborough Shoal.