Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLA-N) vessels were sighted observing the maritime drills between the Philippines and the United States in the waters off Zambales on Wednesday.
In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said, CCG 4203, along with PLA-N ships 646 and 551, were observed within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) near the BRP Miguel Malvar as early as 7 a.m.
Notably, the Jiangkai-class PLA-N warship 551 came closest to the BRP Miguel Malvar, approaching to within an estimated three to four nautical miles.
“They did not have any unusual activity. They were just in the area,” said Operations Officer Lt Col. Bryan Magura.
Magura clarified that the intruders did not interfere with the conduct of the MCA, adding that China has typically shown the same behavior during past exercises.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which was also participating in the exercises, issued radio challenges to vessel 551 when it came close to Philippine and US ships.
“Our activity with the Philippine Coast Guard is very important because every time they operate, we always support the law enforcement activities. So we are here to show the cooperation and interoperability between the Navy and the PCG to include our partner nations to enhance and improve through the conduct of maritime cooperative activities,” said Magura.
“We are here to make sure that our assets are interoperable and coordinated in the conduct of our mission,” he added.
The 8th iteration of the Philippines–US Maritime Cooperation Activity (MCA), off the coast of Zambales, featured a series of exercises including a Communications Exercise (COMMEX), Maritime Domain Awareness Contact Reporting, Division Tactics/Officer of the Watch (DIVTACS/OOW) Maneuvers, and a Photo Exercise (PHOTOEX).
These activities took place in the general area between Palauig, Zambales, and Cabra Island, Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.
Since 2022, the Philippines and the US have conducted eight MCA activities to enhance interoperability and maritime cooperation, aimed at strengthening maritime security, improving coordination between forces, and underscoring their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
