The Philippines and treaty allies the US, Australia and Japan are embarking on joint naval exercises today – including anti-submarine warfare – in a show of force in the face of China’s growing aggressiveness in pushing its claims in the South China Sea.
Taking part in today’s Maritime Cooperative Activity to support a free and open Indo-Pacific are the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, Australian frigate HMAS Warramunga, Japanese destroyer JS Akebono and the littoral combat ship USS Mobile.MANILA, Philippines —
At least five warships involved in the exercises will sail from the operational area of the Western Command in Palawan toward Northern Luzon waters. The four treaty allies said the MCA is a demonstration of professional interactions among naval and maritime and air forces with the intent of strengthening the interoperability of defense and armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques and procedures.
“This Maritime Cooperative Activity with our partners the Philippines, Japan and the United States demonstrates our unwavering commitment to working together to maintain a peaceful, stable and prosperous region,” he added. “The series of bilateral and multilateral MCA is a step in building our country’s capacity for individual and collective self-defense. This first in a series of activities demonstrates the enduring friendship and partnership among the peace-loving peoples of the Philippines, United States, Australia and Japan,” he said.
Asked if the MCA might further increase tensions with China, Andolong said “it should not because this MCA is being conducted within the Philippine EEZ in accordance with international law and established norms in pursuit of our national interest.”Aside from China and the Philippines, the long-simmering disputes in the South China Sea – a key global trade route – also involve Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. Some $3 trillion in goods move every year through the South China Sea.
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