The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), and the US Navy conducted a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone on Friday, March 28.
The JMSDF's deployment in the MCA is part of Japan's inaugural full-fledged participation in the Balikatan multi-national military exercises, which have been held annually in the Philippines since 2001. This year's exercise is presently in its first phase, which is scheduled to conclude on April 11.
The US Navy said MCAs are conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety and navigational rights and freedoms of all nations.
Participating units in Friday's MCA included the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup and a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, the Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal and King Air C-90 aircraft, and the JMSDF Mogami-class frigate JS Noshiro.