In a demonstration of growing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and US Navy (USN) conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the Western Philippine Sea, aimed at strengthening regional security, enhancing operational coordination, and promoting adherence to international maritime law. The large-scale exercise involved nine vessels, including the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, and showcased the capabilities of the participating forces in complex, multilateral operations. The activity took place on November 14, 2025.
The MCA underscores the shared commitment of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), a strategic framework designed to uphold peace, stability, and freedom of navigation across key maritime routes. By participating in coordinated drills, the three nations seek to enhance interoperability, improve crisis response capabilities, and deter threats to maritime security in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Beyond operational readiness, the exercise reflects the broader diplomatic and strategic ties among the three countries, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling challenges such as maritime disputes, piracy, and other transnational security concerns. Officials from all three nations reaffirmed their commitment to work closely together to maintain a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, while demonstrating that strong partnerships among like-minded nations can ensure security and prosperity in the region.
Through activities like the MCA, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States signal their dedication to responsible maritime governance and the promotion of peace, setting a benchmark for regional cooperation that balances operational readiness with adherence to international law.