MANILA – The United States of America, Japan, Canada and the Philippines reaffirmed their collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in the maritime domain through the Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ) from June 16 to 17, 2024.
In a statement posted in the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command mentioned that the MCA demonstrates the four countries’ commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight to bolster regional security and stability.
The MCA featured the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), the Royal Canadian Navy's Halifax-class frigate HMCS Montreal (FFH 336), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Kirisame (DD 104), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Gregorio del Pilar-class patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), the statement said.
JS KIRISAME affirms commitment to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”
Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s (JMSDF) JS KIRISAME, together with its counterparts from the Philippine Navy, U.S. Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy, affirmed their commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific during the MCA in the South China Sea.
In a statement provided by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, it reiterated Japan’s commitment to “strengthening its partnerships with like-minded countries in upholding freedom of navigation and rule of law.
MCA activities in accordance with international law
In the same statement, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reiterated that the MCA involved a series of activities and maritime maneuvers “to test and validate the interoperability of our armed forces' doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures.”
It also provided an opportunity to demonstrate professional interactions among naval and air forces rooted in long-standing military traditions and customs,” the statement continued.
These exercises were conducted in accordance with international law, ensuring the safety of civil maritime navigation and the protection of the marine environment, it added.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy said that it regularly operates alongside its allies in the Indo-Pacific region as a demonstration of shared commitment to the rules-based international order.
According to the U.S. Navy, “cooperation like this represents the centerpiece of our approach to a secure and prosperous region where aircraft and ships of all nations may fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows.”
