The Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States have concluded their joint maritime exercises in the West Philippine Sea.
The activity aimed to strengthen the interoperability of the participating countries amid rising tensions in the region.
According to Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad, the coordinated drills reaffirm the AFP’s commitment to enhancing defense partnerships that boost maritime security and protect the country’s sovereignty in the disputed waters.
The exercise demonstrated the four nations’ resolve to advance maritime cooperation and uphold peace and stability under a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.
This also marks the first time New Zealand took part in a multilateral maritime activity with the Philippines.
(PHOTO COURTESY: AFP)
