The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) JS AKEBONO (DD-108) conducted a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea on 14 November alongside the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the US Navy. The large-scale exercise involved a total of nine vessels, including the NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group.

Japan, the Philippines and the United States, acting as maritime partners, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Officials stated that the MCA aimed to promote regional stability and maritime security in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The three nations stressed their unwavering partnership in the region and vowed to continue working in close coordination to uphold lasting peace, prosperity and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region.