17-06-2025
No Chinese patrols during PH-Japan maritime activity —PH Navy
The Philippine Navy on Tuesday said that the recent Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (BMCA) between Philippines and Japan had been lawfully conducted with no alleged Chinese coordinated air and sea patrols.
That's according to Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, as he denied a report from South China Morning that Beijing conducted patrols during the two countries' BMCA.
'What was monitored by the Philippine Navy is the continued illegal presence of the [People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N)] and [Chinese Coast Guard (CCG)] in our maritime zones, specifically in Bajo de Masinloc, Sabina Shoal, Pag-asa Island, and Ayungin Shoal," Trinidad said in a statement.
Based on a monitoring report by the Philippine Navy, there were at least 12 Chinese vessels observed within the disputed waters from June 14 to 15, 2025.
"This report is another attempt on misinformation, disinformation and malinformation to shape the domestic and international narrative favorable to the illegal claims in our maritime zones of the Communist Party of China," Trinidad added.
The Navy reported that despite Chinese presence, the BMCA was successful and was conducted professionally and safely within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
'This maritime activity was more than a demonstration of maritime capability; it was a clear expression of our enduring commitment to peace, regional stability, and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific,' Trinidad added. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
