The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said today that there is nothing provocative about conducting joint exercises with allies in the country's territorial waters, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.
AFP spokeswoman Col. Francel Margaret Padilla made the statement after China criticized the Philippines' joint patrols with its allies, calling them “provocative violations of maritime law“.
“The AFP stands firmly behind the exercise of sovereign rights in our territorial waters. Conducting joint exercises and maritime space awareness operations in our territorial waters and exclusive economic zone are not a provocation, but a readiness“, she added.
Col. Padilla stated that the joint exercises are conscious, lawful actions rooted in international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The VSF spokeswoman stated that the actions are related to “responsible and forward-looking defense“.
Col. Padilla added that the Philippines' partnership with long-standing allies like the United States reflects shared values and a collective commitment to preserving peace, security, and a rules-based international order.
She said the cooperation not only supports military capabilities, but also mutual trust and strategic interoperability.
“As emphasized by the Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army, Gen. Romeo S. Browner Jr., we will assess our readiness in all domains - air, land, sea, cybersecurity, information and space - through comprehensive exercises that combine tactical precision with strategic foresight.“Let us be clear: The Philippines is a sovereign nation. No foreign power can dictate how we defend our homeland or with whom we stand in solidarity,“ said Col. Padilla.
She also stated that the WSF remains resolute in its mission to protect and promote a peaceful, secure and stable region with unity, professionalism and strategic clarity.