Three allies came together in the waters off the Philippines to perfect their cooperative skills and send out a concerted security message.
On Sunday and Monday assets from Australia, the Philippines and the United States together conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.
In the South China Sea, west of Luzon and inside the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Royal Australian Navy (RAN) frigate HMAS Toowoomba sailed alongside Philippine Navy Jose Miguel Malvar-class guided missile frigate BRP Diego Silang, Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua, and United States Navy destroyer USS Dewey.
The Australian Anzac-class frigate and her escorts were also supported by both Australian and American P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as well as by Philippine Air Force FA-50PH and A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, and the embarked AW109 helicopter on board the Philippine OPV.
As per a Defence Australia press statement: “Australia’s participation underscores our commitment to regional and international cooperation in support of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
“This MCA demonstrates how Australia is upholding international law with freedom of navigation and overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and international airspace as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“Australia reaffirms the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award is final and legally binding on the parties.”
- You can read more details on the Defence Australia website