The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday confirmed it has designated an exercise area in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) for military activities with partner countries from January to March.
Philippine Navy spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said the exercise areas are covered by notices to airmen and mariners and are well within the country’s exclusive economic zone, including Bajo de Masinloc.
“These exercises are well within our sovereign rights and jurisdiction,” Trinidad said. “They are more than 600 nautical miles from mainland China, and no provision of international law supports their claim.”
He dismissed China’s accusation that the Philippines is deliberately stoking tensions as baseless.
“Historically, we have been on the receiving end of coercive and aggressive actions,” Trinidad said. “Facts will show that we are not the source of aggression in the West Philippine Sea.”
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed the issuance of a Notice to Airmen from January 22 to March 31 to ensure flight safety during the exercises.
