The Philippines, the United States, Japan and Canada have showed anew joint forces in the West Philippine Sea amid China's continued aggression in the waters it continues to claim to be its own.
The US Navy deployed its largest Destroy Squadron (DESRON) ship, the guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), to join the Philippines' Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), Japan's Murasame-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104) and Canadian Navy’s HMCS Montreal frigate (FFH 336).
According to the US Navy website, the maritime exercise was held from June 16 and 17 to reaffirm the four allies' commitment to bolster regional security and stability as well as uphold freedom of navigation and overflight.
The move came as China continued actions in the West Philippine Sea that Philippine allies saw as violative of international law.
China's recent aggression included a clash with the Philippine Coast Guard that led to injuries of several Filipino personnel, including a dismemberment of a finger. Chinese troops rammed and boarded a Philippine ship before confiscating weapons of the country's troops.
The Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) "demonstrates our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the maritime domain," the US navy said.
It involved a series of activities and maritime maneuvers to test and validate the interoperability of the four countries' armed forces' doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures; as well as provided an opportunity to demonstrate professional interactions among naval and air forces rooted in long-standing military traditions and customs.
"These exercises were conducted in accordance with international law, ensuring the safety of civil maritime navigation and the protection of the marine environment," the US navy said.
In April, the four countries held their first MCA following the announcement of their quadrilateral partnership.
They said their collaboration would give regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other states as well as demonstrate professional interactions among maritime and air forces.
"Ultimately, the MCA will strengthen the interoperability of our defense/armed forces doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures," they added.