Phl-US maritime cooperation activity not targeting any third party – DFA

Posted to the Daily Tribune (Jan 12, 2024): Phl-US maritime cooperation activity not targeting any third party – DFA (By Jom Garner)

Philippine and US navies wrap up their joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea amid China’s shadowing.

The Maritime Cooperation Activity between the Philippines and the United States in the West Philippine Sea does not intend to target any other foreign countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Friday.

“Exercises like the MCA are aimed at enhancing our maritime capabilities and interoperability with the United States, our defense treaty ally, with the view to ensuring security and stability in the region. It does not target any third country,” DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza told reporters in a text message.

Daza noted that the MCA is a routine activity approved by the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board under the Philippines’ Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States.

“It was conducted within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and was consistent with international law,” she stressed, referring to the two-day joint patrol in the WPS last week.

Daza said the Philippines’ maritime cooperation with the US became an avenue for the country to showcase its defense capabilities.

“It also demonstrates the significant improvement in the Philippines’ defense capabilities and the development of a world-class navy and armed forces capable of carrying out its mandate to defend the territorial integrity of the Philippines and our maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea,” she said.

Daza issued the remarks when asked for a comment regarding China’s reaction to the Philippines and the US’ MCA in the West Philippine Sea which it described as “muscle-flexing.”

China Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin has warned that the “provocative military activities” of the Philippines and the US in the South China Sea could put the stability in the region at risk.

“We would like to stress that the US and the Philippines’ muscle-flexing, provocative military activities in the South China Sea are not conducive to managing the situation on the sea and handling maritime disputes,” said Wang.

“We urge relevant countries to stop the irresponsible moves, and respect regional countries’ effort to uphold peace and stability in the South China Sea,” he added.

https://tribune.net.ph/2024/01/phl-us-maritime-cooperation-activity-not-targeting-any-third-party-dfa/