China’s navy vessels tailed the Philippines’ joint maritime exercise with Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said September 29.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military monitored People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels in the vicinity of the multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) on Saturday.
“However, the [multilateral maritime cooperative activity] proceeded as planned without any interference, and the safety of participating countries’ vessels was ensured by the protocols in place,” Padilla said.
“While there were observations of PLAN vessels tailing during the MMCA, no reports were received regarding the conduct of the alleged Chinese military exercise,” she added.
It was the fourth MMCA in the contested waterways.
The first MMCA, composed of the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines, was held within the country’s exclusive economic zone in the WPS in April.
The Royal Canadian Navy joined the second and third sails held June and August, respectively.
Padilla said the AFP views the MMCA as a “pivotal demonstration of international cooperation, strengthening partnerships and enhancing the capabilities of allied nations.”
“This collaborative approach is essential in maintaining a safe and secure maritime environment in the region” she said.
The activities are integral to the country’s Maritime Security Operations, particularly in strengthening presence in the WPS, Padilla said.