Chinese ships spy on trilateral drills

Two Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) warships were spotted near Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Monday afternoon as Philippine, United States and Australian forces held joint maritime exercises, the Philippine Navy reported Tuesday.

Navy Capt. John Percie Alcos, commanding officer of the BRP Diego Silang, said the Chinese ships were spotted shadowing the 14th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA).

“These were People’s Liberation Army Navy warships,” Alcos said.

He said the Philippine Navy vessel communicated with the Chinese ships which did not issue a challenge.

Although the PLA Navy ships stayed at a safe distance and did not approach the participating vessels or assume formation, their presence drew concern.

“Basically, these were illegal presences in the area. As this was observed, it will be submitted to the proper agency accordingly,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, who was aboard the Diego Silang.

Highlights of 14th MMCA

The Philippines, alongside the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (Indopacom), successfully completed the 14th Philippine-Australia-US MMCA on 15-16 February in the West Philippine Sea.

The two-day exercise showcased the air and naval capabilities of the three nations.

The Philippine assets included the Diego Silang, an AW109 helicopter, FA-50 fighter jets, A-29 Super Tucano, a C-208B, and a Sokol Search and Rescue helicopter, as well as the BRP Teresa Magbanua of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The ADF deployed the HMAS Toowoomba, an MH-60R helicopter, and a P-8A Poseidon, while the US sent the USS Dewey along with a P-8A Poseidon.

The exercises built on previous engagements. They included communication exercises to refine coordination, maritime domain awareness practices to strengthen situational understanding, division tactics to improve maneuvering proficiency, and photo exercises, replenishment at sea, and hotwash sessions for transparency and operational insights.

According to the AFP and the Philippine Navy, similar multilateral maritime activities will continue in the West Philippine Sea with allied nations.

The 14th MMCA was the first multilateral exercise of the year, highlighting the shared commitment to interoperability, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law of the participating nations.