Manila, April 13 -- Philippine, Australian and U.S. air and naval forces conducted the 16th multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from April 9 to 12, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday.

"This iteration marks the second MMCA this year with the Philippines, the United States, and Australia, and the 16th overall conduct of the activity, underscoring the deepening defense cooperation among the three nations and their shared commitment to regional security," the AFP said in a statement.

The MMCA showcased the growing defense capabilities of the Philippines, it added.

AFP assets, along with those of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPAC...