U.S.-Philippines joint maritime and air exercises held near the Huangyan Island

U.S.-Philippines Conduct Joint Exercise Near Scarborough Shoal This Year's First

From January 25 to 26, the United States and the Philippines conducted their first bilateral "Maritime Cooperation Activity" (MCA) this year near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea (known as the Scarborough Shoal by the Philippines).

The Philippine military stated in a statement that from January 25 to 26, the Philippine Armed Forces and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command deployed air and maritime forces near the Scarborough Shoal.

This "Maritime Cooperation Activity" is the eleventh such collaboration between the two long-term treaty allies since November 2023.

The Philippine military stated in its statement that it will work with the United States to "enhance maritime security, improve operational interoperability, and uphold the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific." The Philippine military also added that this military exercise aims to strengthen coordination, tactical proficiency, and mutual understanding among allied forces.

The U.S. Seventh Fleet stated in a statement that this "Maritime Cooperation Activity" took place within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), "demonstrating both sides' commitment to strengthening regional and international cooperation to support the shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet stated that the U.S.-Philippine "Maritime Cooperation Activity" was conducted in accordance with international law and fully respects the security, navigation rights, and freedoms of all countries.

Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, stated, "On January 25 to 26, the navy of the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army carried out routine patrols in the South China Sea. The Philippines has colluded with external countries to organize so-called 'joint patrols,' disturbing the South China Sea and undermining regional peace and stability. The theater command will resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and firmly maintain regional peace and stability."

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1855579565429772/

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