The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) recently joined forces with the United States Navy (USN) and the Philippine Navy (PN) at the 5th Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA), further strengthening trilateral ties and advancing regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
The exercise, which saw the participation of the JMSDF’s JS Samidare, included a series of tactical drills aimed at improving maritime capabilities, enhancing interoperability, and reinforcing security cooperation among the three nations. These drills serve as an essential platform for fostering greater collaboration in addressing shared maritime security challenges.
“This exercise highlights the steadfast commitment of Japan, the United States, and the Philippines to upholding a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), centered on freedom of navigation, overflight, and a rules-based international order,” said a spokesperson for the Japanese Embassy in Manila. “It is also a reaffirmation of our joint support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”
The MCA underscores the collective resolve of Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines to ensure a secure and stable maritime environment in the region, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the three countries.
