DND: Joint maritime activity should not increase WPS tensions

The joint maritime cooperative activity (MCA) between the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States, which would be conducted in the West Philippine Sea on Sunday, should not be a reason to increase tensions with China in the area, the Department of National Defense (DND) said.

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong pointed out that the one-day activity would be held within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone following international law, Christian Maño reported on Super Radyo dzBB.

The MCA seeks to "uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, and respect for maritime rights under international law, reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said the four nations' defense chiefs.

Their combined defense forces joint maritime activity would also demonstrate the four countries' "collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Senator Francis Tolentino said he believed the quad naval drills would even promote stability in the West Philippine Sea, particularly with China.

“China is not being provoked but being made to realize that peace and stability in the region is likewise to serve their interests,” the lawmaker said in a statement.

On Saturday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) hosted a pre-sail conference ahead of the inaugural multilateral maritime cooperative activity.

The AFP said that key planning members from the AFP, Australian Defense Force, Japan Self Defense Force, and United States Indo-Pacific Command went to the Western Command headquarters in Puerto Princesa to finalize plans for the activity.

“The MCA, to be conducted by naval/maritime and air force units, will prioritize adherence to international and domestic laws, ensuring the safety of navigation and respect for the rights and interests of all states involved. It will also demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and cooperation among participating forces,” the AFP said. — DVM, GMA Integrated News