The Manila Times reported on its front page that the Philippines and Australia conducted new joint naval exercises on the southwest of Western Mindoro Island in the Philippines on Tuesday, as part of the 2025 Amphibious and Land Operations (ALON) exercise.
Australia is the latest country to engage in maritime cooperation activities (MCA) with the Philippines. During the MCA, partner countries conduct exercises to promote maritime security, freedom of navigation, and the maintenance of international law.
The participating naval assets include the Philippine Navy's ship BRP Jose Rizal (FF150) and the Australian Defence Force's ship HMAS Brisbane (DDG41).
The exercises included a series of actions such as personnel transfer exercises, communication exercises, watch officer staffing exercises, joint anti-submarine exercises, platoon night navigation, and flight dormitory exercises.
Compared to the first ALON in 2023, this year's exercises have been improved, including the deployment of more air assets and international observers from the New Zealand Defence Force and the Indonesian National Armed Forces.
Unlike previous exercises, the Philippine Armed Forces stated that no Chinese maritime forces were seen during this exercise.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840922843789328/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.