The Philippine Navy spotted two Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warships during the 10th Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MMCA) with Canada, United States and Australian forces in the West Philippine Sea early this week.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Philippine Navy spokesman for the West Philippine Sea said a Luyang Class Guided Missile Destroyer and a Jiangkai Class Frigate of the PLAN was monitored in the general vicinity 40 nautical miles southeast of Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal during the training that was conducted from Sept. 2 to 3 within the waters off Palauig to San Antonio, Zambales.

"These ships were monitored during the conduct of the 10th MMCA involving the US Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the Philippine Navy," he said.

"They were observed following the international task group and were not conducting any surface serials or synchronized movement that would generally indicate a joint patrol contrary to publications by the Southern Theater Command," he added.

The MMCA which was participated by the Philippine Navy's BRP Jose Rizal, supported by an AW159 helicopter, a search and rescue Sokol aircraft, and a C-208B surveillance platform; Australia’s HMAS Brisbane and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft; Canada’s HMCS Ville de Quebéc , and CH-148 Cyclone; and the United States' P-8A Poseidon underscores the four nations’ strong defense partnership and shared commitment to advancing maritime security and regional stability.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the 10th MMCA reaffirms the collective resolve of the military "to protect our seas and uphold a rules-based international order."

"We will continue to build on this foundation of trust, proving that we are indeed stronger together,” Brawner said.

According to AFP, the MMCA includes "a Photo Exercise that captured the unity of participating navies, a Vertical Replenishment to test at-sea logistics and resupply operations, and a Personnel Exchange conducted via rigid hull inflatable boat that enabled Australian and Philippine sailors to share best practices onboard."

"The activity also featured a Coordinated Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise, which enhanced detection and tracking capabilities, and concluded with a Passing Exercise , underscoring the seamless coordination and interoperability of all participating forces," it noted. Robina Asido/DMS