Philippine Navy: More maritime activities with foreign navies being planned; other countries welcome to join
More multi-country naval activities will be conducted in Philippine waters following what the Armed Forces of the Philippines described as a successful Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said the joint naval activities of the Philippines, Japan, Australia and the United States is part of the country’s operational approach under the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy (AADS) which is the naval component of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
The CADC is part of the external defense shift of the AFP and is aimed at defending the country's sea lanes of communication and all of its maritime territories.
While the CADC does not guarantee that China’s behavior would change in the West Philippine Sea, Trinidad said it would ensure the operational readiness of the Philippine Navy fleet.
“We can expect an increase in navy-to-navy and sea engagements. Naval cooperation is an operational approach of the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy (AADS), the naval component of CADC. This is the Navy's contribution to a stable international order in the West Philippine Sea,” said Trinidad.
On Sunday, April 7, the Philippines hosted the first ever Maritime Cooperative Activity which was described by the Department of National Defense as a show of unity and in strengthening interoperability with partner nations.
With its success, Trinidad said other nations are welcome to join in future exercises.
“The MCA allowed us to test the operational readiness of our surface Fleet to operate w/ our ally and partners from planning, to preparation and to execution,” said Trinidad.
“The Philippine Navy welcomes all navies willing to partner with us in developing our capabilities and in promoting stability in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.
The MCA which is aimed at enhancing regional maritime security cooperation among the four countries and promoting freedom of navigation was conducted amid the increasing harassment by China’s coast guard to Philippine vessels.
The Philippine government accused China of repeated use of water cannon and dangerous maneuvers, especially to Philippine vessels on resupply missions to soldiers stationed at the Ayungin Shoal.