The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed the establishment of a military exercise zone in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), particularly west of Zambales.

AFP Spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said the exercises, which involve allied forces, will take place from January 21 to March 31. Notices to Airmen and Mariners have been issued to inform the international community of the planned drills within the country’s 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The exercise area includes Bajo de Masinloc, a location previously subject to tight surveillance by the Chinese Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Beijing has accused Manila of stoking tensions with the large-scale exercises, but Trinidad emphasized that the drills are within the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its territory.

Details of the activities in the WPS exercise zone are still being finalized, following a preliminary maritime control activity conducted last week in Bajo de Masinloc earlier this year.