On Sunday, defense forces from the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States conducted the inaugural Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea, highlighting their dedication to bolstering regional and global cooperation. This exercise brought together the naval and air units of the four nations for communication drills and division tactics, showcasing a united front in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Participating assets included the Philippine Navy’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, BRP Antonio Luna, and BRP Valentin Diaz, alongside the U.S. Navy’s USS Mobile and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft. The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Warramunga and the Royal Australian Air Force’s P-8A Poseidon, as well as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s JS Akebono, also joined the exercise.
The MMCA aimed to enhance the interoperability and collective maritime capabilities of the participating countries, contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ ongoing capability development. The Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines viewed the activity as a demonstration of unity and adherence to international law, despite anticipating criticism from China.
This maritime cooperation occurs amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, with China conducting its military activities in the region. The exercise precedes a significant trilateral meeting in Washington, D.C., where Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will discuss regional security issues with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.