JP – PH – U.S. Multilateral Exercise for the 8th Maritime Cooperative Activity

On 28 March 2025, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), deploying JS NOSHIRO (FFM-3), conducted a Multilateral Exercise alongside the Philippine Navy (PN) BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and the United States Navy (USN) USS Shoup (DDG-86) as part of the 8th Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the South China Sea. 
 

This exercise follows the inaugural port call of JMSDF JS NOSHIRO at the Naval Operating Base Subic (NOBS). The port visit and subsequent MCA reflect Japan’s strong commitment to maritime stability and security.
 

By engaging with like-minded partners, Japan continues to reaffirm strategic ties and advance cooperation in safeguarding the free and open use of the seas. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States stand resolute in advancing the shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), reaffirming their shared commitment to a rules-based international order that promotes peace, security, and prosperity for all nations across the region.