PH, US, Japan militaries hold joint maritime activities within WPS

The militaries of the Philippines, the United States, and Japan on Friday conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

In a statement, the US Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) said the event shows the three nations' commitment to enhance regional and international cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

"This builds upon previous MCAs and our continuing operations together, which strengthen the interoperability of our defense/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures," the US Indo-Pacific Command said.

"MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other States," it added.

Among the participating units were the US Navy's P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47; Philippine Navy's BRP Andres Bonifacio and C-90; and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force's Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD 106).

"The U.S., along with our allies and partners, uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, as well as respect to the maritime rights under international law," the INDOPACOM said.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the combined armed and defense forces of the three countries had successfully conducted the MCA - an activity that underscored their collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Building on previous MMCAs and ongoing collaborative operations, the exercise enhanced the interoperability of defense doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures among the participating forces. Conducted in full compliance with international law, the MMCA emphasized respect for the safety of navigation and the maritime rights of all states,” AFP noted.

The participating units included the Philippine Navy’s BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS17) and a C-90 aircraft, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD 106), and the U.S. Navy’s P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron 47.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office told GMA News Online that it would issue a statement about the activity shortly.

Previous MCAs have been conducted in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), parts of which overlap with China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Australia took part in the MCA with the Philippines, Japan, and the US last April, while New Zealand joined the four nations in another MCA last September.

Last Thursday, the Philippines filed another diplomatic protest against China's latest aggressions in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) and Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Bajo de Masinloc is located 124 nautical miles off Masinloc, Zambales and is within the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Meanwhile, Escoda Shoal, also known as Sabina Shoal, is located 75 nautical miles off Palawan and is also within the Philippine EEZ.

The Philippines has filed 60 diplomatic protests against China this year and 193 since start of the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea—a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce—including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

In 2016, an international arbitration tribunal in Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying it has "no legal basis."

China has not recognized the decision. — VDV, GMA Integrated News