Chinese navy vessels were observed monitoring the joint maritime exercise conducted by the Philippines and its allies, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, in the West Philippine Sea.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Francel Margareth Padilla confirmed that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were present in the area during the exercise but did not interfere with the operations, which proceeded as planned.
This marked the fourth multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the region, with prior exercises held in April, June, and August involving different allied nations.
Padilla emphasized the importance of the MMCA as a demonstration of international cooperation and a means to enhance the capabilities of participating countries.
The exercise is crucial for the Philippines’ Maritime Security Operations, reinforcing its presence in the West Philippine Sea.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 30, 2024
