PH, Japan, US, reaffirm coop in WPS; China again warns vs 'provocations'

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has concluded the 11th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), which was held in the West Philippine Sea.

The activity, held in the waters off Magalawa Island, Palauig to Silanguin Island, San Antonio, Zambales, is the second MMCA conducted this month. 

"These continuous engagements underscore the sustained commitment of the three nations to enhancing maritime cooperation, promoting regional security, and supporting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific," said the AFP in a statement released on Sunday.

The AFP said that the key components of the 11th MMCA include:

• Communications Check Exercise
• Maritime Domain Awareness activities
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercise
• Cross-Deck Landing Exercise
• Naval Surface Interdiction and Clearance (NSIC). 

The exercise also featured Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch maneuvers, a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX), Passing Exercise (PASSEX), Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), and a Final Exercise (FINEX), added the AFP.

Upholding naval tradition, BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) personnel render a salute to U.S. counterparts as both ships sail in formation during the passing exercise. Photo by SSg Amagan PA / PAOAFP

Deployment

During the event, AFP said it deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), an AW109 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search and rescue aircraft, a C-208B Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, and four FA-50 fighter jets.

The United States, meanwhille, contributed the USS John Finn (DDG113), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and two MH 60-R helicopters.

For Japan,   JS Osumi (LST4001) was deployed, demonstrating its amphibious capabilities and operational readiness in combined maritime operations.

"The successful conduct of the MMCA not only enhances the interoperability of the participating forces but also reaffirms the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and upholding peace and security in the region," said the AFP.

BRP Jose Rizal's starboard lookout monitors the bearing of the USS John Finn (DDG113) as it sails forward of the Philippine Navy's vessel. Photo by PO3 Gonzales PN / PAOAFP

China’s military said on Sunday it also conducted "routine" patrols in the South China Sea and warned the Philippines against any provocations.

China's spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command said the Philippines must immediately stop provoking incidents and escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

Chinese troops will continue to defend the country’s sovereignty in the region, the spokesperson added.

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.

Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim.

The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago including Luzon Sea and the waters around, within and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis."

China has refused to recognize the decision. —with a report from Reuters/ VAL, GMA Integrated News