Philippine Navy rejects Chinese media reports of coordinated patrols with Japan

The Philippine Navy and Armed Forces on Tuesday rejected Chinese state media reports claiming coordinated patrols during recent maritime drills with Japan in the West Philippine Sea, emphasizing these claims are false and part of misinformation attempts.

Philippine military spokeswoman Francel Margareth Padilla stated that PLA ships were observed near disputed waters from June 14 to 15 but did not participate in any coordinated patrols with the Philippines and Japan, dismissing Chinese actions as mere propaganda.

The Navy stressed that China's maritime forces must leave Philippine waters and highlighted ongoing efforts to counteract Chinese misinformation campaigns in the information domain.

During the exercise, newly commissioned guided missile frigate BRP Miguel Malvar and other Philippine assets were deployed alongside Japanese warships, marking the first major activity since Japan ratified the Reciprocal Access Agreement with the Philippines on June 6.

China's Southern Theater Command held drills in the South China Sea last week, and a Chinese Navy warship tailed the Philippine and Japanese ships during joint naval exercises, launching and recovering drones near disputed waters.

The AFP emphasized that these reports are attempts to shape domestic and international narratives favorable to China’s illegal claims in the West Philippine Sea.