PH, US, Japan conclude maritime drills; PH Navy challenges Chinese warship

The Philippines, United States, and Japan concluded their 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) from September 12 to 13, 2025, in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During the drills, the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Jose Rizal detected and challenged a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship operating within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Chinese vessel responded by asserting sovereign immunity, while the Philippine Navy cited domestic law, UNCLOS, and the 2016 Arbitral Award.

China subsequently warned the Philippines to halt "provocative actions" that could heighten tensions in the South China Sea.

The AFP stated that these continuous engagements underscore the sustained commitment of the three nations to enhancing maritime cooperation, promoting regional security, and supporting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific.

The drills involved the BRP Jose Rizal, an AW109 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search and rescue aircraft, a C-208B ISR plane, and four FA-50 fighter jets.

The United States utilized the USS John Finn, a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and two MH-60R helicopters, while Japan participated with the JS Osumi.