MANILA, Philippines – Military forces from the United States, Japan and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to enhance maritime cooperation, promote regional security, and support a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific through the Multilateral Maritime Cooperation (MCCA), the Embassy of Japan said.
The activity, held from September 12 to 13, 2025 in the West Philippine Sea was participated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
In his post on X, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines ENDO Kazuya said that the MMCA is “strong trilateral show of unity” and “ensuring peace across the Indo-Pacific, while upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”
A strong trilateral show of unity! 🇯🇵🇵🇭🇺🇸 @JMSDF_PAO with @Philippine_Navy & @USNavy joined forces for a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea. Sailing together, we’re upholding #UNCLOS and ensuring peace across the Indo-Pacific. 🌏⚓ pic.twitter.com/tXvJZmt4hm
— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) September 14, 2025
According to the AFP, the activity marked the second MMCA conducted in September, following the completion of the 10th iteration on September 3, 2025.
“These continuous engagements underscore the sustained commitment of the three nations to enhancing maritime cooperation, promoting regional security, and supporting a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific,” the AFP said in news release.
During the 11th MMCA, the AFP deployed BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), an AW109 anti-submarine helicopter, a Philippine Air Force search and rescue aircraft, a C-208B Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, and four FA-50 fighter jets.
The USS John Finn (DDG113), a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, and two MH 60-R helicopters from the United States joined the activity; while Japan deployed JS Osumi (LST4001), demonstrating its amphibious capabilities and operational readiness in combined maritime operations.
Meanwhile, the AFP underscored the conduct of the MMCA at it reaffirms the Philippines’ steadfast commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and upholding peace and security in the region.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila also mentioned the importance of strengthening interoperability and maritime security for a “free and open Indo-Pacific” through the MMCA in the South China Sea, participated by air and maritime assets from the navies of the United States, Philippines and Japan.
🇺🇸🤝🇵🇭🤝🇯🇵 Air and maritime assets from the @USNavy, @Philippines_Navy, and @jmsdf_pao_eng conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the South China Sea — enhancing interoperability and maritime security for a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/bvnU7nLavQ
— U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (@USEmbassyPH) September 15, 2025
