PH, Japan hold 1st maritime cooperative activity in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 2, 2024): PH, Japan hold 1st maritime cooperative activity in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)

JOINT PATROL. The Philippine Navy's missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's destroyer JS Sazanami (DD-113) sail together during the two countries' first maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea on Friday (Aug. 2, 2024). The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the drill enhanced the tactical capabilities of the two naval forces and reinforced strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Naval vessels from the Philippines and Japan held their first bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea on Friday.

In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the MCA is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation toward realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The AFP, through the Philippine Navy (PN), deployed the missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) while the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) sent its destroyer JS Sazanami (DD-113) for the activity.

"The types of exercises conducted during the MCA included a communications exercise (COMMEX), tactical maneuvering, and a photographic exercise (PHOTOEX)," Trinidad said.

He said the exercise enhanced the tactical capabilities of the PN and the JMSDF and reinforced the strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

"The JMSDF and the PN are dedicated to promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific, demonstrating their shared commitment to upholding a rules-based international order," Trinidad said.

China's PLAN ships spotted

Meanwhile, the AFP said two Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, a Jiangdao-class corvette 624 and Jingkai class frigate 574, were observed in the area tailing the formation within four nautical miles and 4.9 nautical miles, respectively.

"This did not interfere with the MCA, which successfully included communication exercises, tactical maneuvering, and photographic exercises. The presence of the PLAN vessels was closely monitored, and the exercise proceeded as planned, achieving its objectives of improving tactical capabilities and strengthening cooperation between the JMSDF and the PN," it added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230347