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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH, Japan navies hold first bilateral sail in WPS

PH, Japan navies hold first bilateral sail in WPS

Published Aug 2, 2024 07:19 am
AFP Japan MCA.jpg
A Philippine Navy (PN) personnel aboard BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) observes Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer JS Sazanami (DD 113) during the first Philippines-Japan maritime cooperative activity in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Aug. 2, 2024. (Photo: AFP)

Following the joint sail of the Philippine Navy (PN) and the United States Navy (USN), it is now the turn of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) to hold a shared voyage with the PN in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The PN and JMSDF conducted its first ever bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the WPS on Friday, Aug. 2.

The PN deployed multi-role guided missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) while the JMSDF sent the Takanami-class destroyer JS Sazanami (DD 113) for the activity.

The two ships held communications exercise (COMMEX), tactical maneuvering, and a photographic exercise (PHOTOEX) throughout their sail.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of public affairs office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said that the bilateral MCA of the PN with the JMSDF was part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international cooperation towards realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“This collaborative exercise enhanced the tactical capabilities of the Philippine Navy and the JMSDF and reinforced the strong ties and mutual commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region,” he said.

“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,” he added.

The joint sail of the Philippines and Japan followed the bilateral MCA of the PN with the USN in the WPS on July 31.

PN patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and USN littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) performed the MCA in the waters west of Palawan, inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Last April 7, Japan also participated in a group sail in the WPS with the Philippines, United States and Australia.

The recent joint voyage of the PN and JMSDF came exactly a month after the Philippines and China agreed to de-escalation tension in the WPS during diplomatic talks.

Manila and Tokyo also signed on July 8 the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) which allows both countries to send military forces and equipment to each other’s territory for joint exercises.

Related Tags

PH-Japan Maritime Cooperative Activity West Philippine Sea (WPS) Philippine Navy Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
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