Philippines says joint maritime exercises rein in China

MANILA: &nbsp, Joint naval exercises held frequently by the Philippines, United States and other Western powers are helping rein in “aggressive” Chinese actions in the South China Sea, a Filipino military official said on Wednesday ( Nov 6 ).

Beijing has long sought to increase its appearance in the contested canal, rolling back against a global decision that its claim to the majority of the sea has no legal basis.

In a bid to prevent the Philippines from a group of strategically significant reefs and islands in the South China Sea, China has recently deployed army, coast guard, and so-called maritime militia forces, which are reportedly Chinese fishing vessels.

The Philippine Navy announced on Wednesday that those efforts were in place during the 10 instances this year when the Philippines, the United States, and other countries conducted joint patrols known as Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity ( MMCA ).

” During the conduct of MMCAs, there have been no observed coercive and aggressive actions by the ( People’s Liberation Army ) Navy, Coast Guard or the maritime militia”, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesman for South China Sea issues, told reporters on the sidelines of a Manila security forum.

The pause was observed for” a few days before and during, and a few weeks after” the tasks, he said, adding more joint marine training may be expected in 2025.

During Philippine resupply operations to its remote troops in the area, violent contacts with Chinese vessels are typical.

In Beijing, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the foreign ministry, stated that” we prevent our royal rights and interests in accordance with domestic and international law.”

She continued,” Intending a show of force and provoking fight in the South China Sea will only increase tensions and reduce regional balance.”