PH, Australia, Canada, US hold maritime drills in South China Sea

The Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States conducted their 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the South China Sea, near Scarborough Shoal and off Zambales province, from September 2 to 3.

The drills, which involved sea logistics, maneuvering, and anti-submarine warfare training, aimed to reinforce security cooperation amid heightened Chinese assertiveness.

Participating assets included the Philippine frigate BRP Jose Rizal, Australian destroyer HMAS Brisbane, Canadian frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec, and a US maritime patrol aircraft.

Philippine military chief General Romeo S. Brawner, Jr. stated that the 10th MMCA reaffirms the collective resolve to protect their seas and uphold a rules-based international order.

These exercises followed closely after the Philippines and Australia concluded their largest bilateral war games, highlighting strengthening defense ties between Manila and its partners.