The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported that four Chinese navy vessels shadowed the latest Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) between the Philippines and the United States in the West Philippine Sea, specifically near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). This was the first MCA in the area since the removal of a Chinese floating structure that had been a source of controversy due to its alleged illegal presence.
Chinese Naval Presence
According to the AFP, the Chinese vessels included two Jiangkai-class frigates, one Jiangdao-class corvette, and one auxiliary tanker. Additionally, a Chinese maritime patrol aircraft overflew the area during the drills. Despite the presence of these assets, the AFP and US forces successfully conducted scheduled activities such as search-and-rescue operations, visit-board-search-and-seizure drills, and division tactics.
Part of Larger Exercise
The MCA is part of the broader Salaknib 2026 joint military exercise, which involved over 7,000 troops from the Philippines, US, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The exercise aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and interoperability among allied nations amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.
Legal Basis
In a statement, the AFP emphasized that the activity was legal and in accordance with international law, and part of the implementation of the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected China's extensive claims in the said waters. The AFP also noted that the drills proceeded without incident despite the Chinese shadowing.
