A Chinese Navy vessel, along with the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), appeared to have a ‘front-row seat’ as they seemed to be closely monitoring the ongoing 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) between the Philippines and its allied naval forces from Australia and Canada, according to a report by RH 52 Edniel Parrosa.
During the joint drills conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday off the east of Bajo de Masinloc or the Panatag Shoal, the PLAN was seen in proximity to the participating warships, seemingly shadowing or matching the movements of allied vessels.
Behind the Philippine Navy’s flagship, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), observers spotted China's Luyang-Class Destroyer 163, which was later joined by another PLAN frigate 568.
Aside from the presence of the PLAN near the said shoal, one of its warships was visibly spotted just 30 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, but did not take any action.
The PLAN’s presence was first detected early as the exercises headed toward Bajo de Masinloc. Chinese warships were also seen positioned directly across from Canada’s HMCS Ville de Québec and Australia’s HMAS Brisbane, raising questions about their intent.
Despite this, MMCA activities proceeded as planned, including Officer Watch Maneuver, Cross-deck Exercises, and People-to-People Exchanges.
“Mas nagustuhan ng ating higher headquarters na magkaroon pa ng–habang nandito pa po nags-stay ang ating mga navy counterparts, so they are happy with the results of the exercise alone, and we have to extend the engagement with them to enhance the capability lalong-lalo na po ngayon na pinapalakas po natin ang Armed Forces, ” a Navy official said, stating the appreciation of the headquarters to the results of the exercise, aiming to extend the engagement to further enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Moreover, the joint drills also involved maritime patrol aircraft from participating nations: Canada’s CH-148 Cyclone, the Philippines’ AW-159 Wildcat, and Australia’s P-8A Poseidon.
