Philippine, US, Japan, Australia militaries complete joint drills near EEZ with Chinese navy present

Militaries from the Philippines, United States, Japan, and Australia completed joint maritime drills within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Wednesday despite the presence of Chinese navy vessels.

The sixth Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) featured exercises such as communication checks, maritime domain awareness, division tactics, photo exercise, and anti-submarine warfare drills to enhance coordination among participating naval and air force units.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. emphasized that the MMCA demonstrates a collective commitment to uphold freedom of navigation in accordance with international law in the Indo-Pacific region.

AFP public affairs office chief Colonel Xerxes Trinidad confirmed that Chinese warships were monitored operating at a distance but did not interfere with the exercise, ensuring its smooth completion.

China's continued claims in the South China Sea remain a source of tension for nations like the Philippines, despite the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration against Chinese claims.