In one week, AFP holds third sail with allies in WPS
The multilateral MCA involves the Philippines, Australia, Canada, and the United States.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted another maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), marked with a multilateral naval patrol with counterparts from Australia, Canada, and the United States on Wednesday, Aug. 7, to Thursday, Aug. 8.
The latest show of maritime cooperation is the third such activity by the AFP in the past week amid Manila's efforts to de-escalate tension with China in the WPS. It is also the first time that the four countries were involved in a quad sail in the WPS.
In a joint statement, AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Australian Chief of Defence Force Adml. David Johnston, Canadian Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Marie Annabelle Jennie Carignan, and US Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Samuel Paparo reiterated the four countries’ commitment to uphold the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace, and respect for maritime rights under international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together enhancing cooperation and interoperability between our armed forces. The activity will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other States,” the statement read.
The four top-ranking officials added that they were standing together “to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order.”
They also reaffirmed that the 2016 South China Sea arbitral award, which invalidated China’s dash-line claims in the key waterway, is “final and legally binding decision on the parties to the dispute.”
China, however, continues to reject the ruling.
Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for WPS, said the quad sail was conducted “within the bounds of international law,” and should not be seen as a move to intimidate China.
“It is not designed against any particular country but is a collective expression of support for a rules-based international order,” he noted.
The quad sail came days after the AFP conducted bilateral MCAs with the US on July 31, and Japan on Aug. 2.