Philippine Navy challenges Chinese warship during joint exercises in West Philippine Sea

The 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) involving the navies of the Philippines, United States, and Japan in the West Philippine Sea has been successfully concluded.

During the exercises, a Philippine Navy vessel, the BRP Jose Rizal, issued a radio challenge to a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) warship, identified as bow number 551, operating within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Chinese warship responded by asserting its sovereign immunity and stating it was conducting legal military operations outside the territorial waters of other countries.

Three other Chinese PLA-Navy vessels were observed nearby, silently monitoring the naval exercises.

Philippine Navy Lt. John Lawrence Calma stated that all participating vessels observed professional conduct and followed international recognized protocols at sea, with no interference occurring during the exercises.

The drills also included a flyby of Philippine Air Force fighter jets in a diamond formation, demonstrating the nation's readiness to defend itself in air and at sea.

The participating naval vessels performed multiple formations as part of division tactics, showcasing joint naval coordination between the allies.