The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied reports that China carried out coordinated air and sea patrols in the West Philippine Sea at the same time as the multilateral cooperative activity (MCA) between the Philippines and Japan near Bajo de Masinloc, Edniel Parrosa reported.
In a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy on West Philippine Sea matters, clarified that what they observed was the illegal presence of the Chinese Coast Guard and the People's Liberation Army–Navy (PLA-N) in several areas, including Panatag Shoal, Sabina Shoal, Pag-asa Island, and Ayungin Shoal.
Trinidad also confirmed that a drone was flown by one of the Chinese vessels, tailing the joint AFP-Japan drills conducted on June 14.
However, he emphasized that this did not constitute any coordinated patrol and should only be considered as an illegal intrusion in Philippine waters.
"Reports like these are mere attempts at misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation to shape the internal and domestic narrative of the Chinese Communist Party's illegal claims in our maritime domain," Trinidad said.
"On their claim that we are inviting foreign powers, I mentioned last week that that statement does not hold any water," he added.
His remarks came in response to reports by Chinese state media claiming that China launched a joint air and sea patrol simultaneously with the inaugural MCA between Manila and Tokyo under the recently ratified Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA).
The MCA featured key exercise serials such as communication check exercise, anti-submarine warfare exercise, cross-deck exercise, Division Tactics and Officer of the Watch Maneuvers (DIVTACS/OOW), Photo Exercises (PHOTOEX), and a Finish Exercise (FINEX), showcasing seamless interoperability between the two forces.
"This cooperative activity is more than a display of maritime capability—it is a manifestation of our enduring commitment to uphold peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. With the RAA now in effect, our coordination with Japan will only grow stronger and more responsive to the complex demands of our shared security environment," said AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S Brawner Jr..
