Manila, April 30
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said that the successful conduct of the multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by Manila and its allies, US and Australia, demonstrates the "growing synergy" between partner nations.
"The 9th MMCA demonstrates the growing synergy among like-minded partners in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. These exercises are vital in strengthening our collective defence posture and operational readiness," AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.
Additionally, the Philippines said there was nothing provocative about the MMCA conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), together with allies from the United States and Australia.
"The AFP stands firm in exercising our sovereign rights within our maritime domain. The conduct of joint exercises and maritime domain awareness operations within our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone is not a provocation -- it is preparedness," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said on Wednesday.
The remarks came after China issued a statement criticising the country's joint patrols with its allies, calling it maritime infringement provocations.
"The exercise brought together key maritime and air assets from the three partner nations, showcasing a strong commitment to regional security, interoperability, and cooperation in support of a rules-based international order," the AFP added.