RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “ARMED FORCES OF PHILIPPINES” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY SHOTLIST: SOUTH CHINA SEA OFF PHILIPPINES (RELEASED ON APR. 29, 2025) (ARMED FORCES OF PHILIPPINES — RESTRICTED) 1. SOLDIERS ON BOARD CONDUCTING SHOOTING DRILLS 2. HELICOPTER LANDING ON SHIPSOUTH CHINA SEA OFF PHILIPPINES - RELEASED ON APR. 29 — RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “ARMED FORCES OF PHILIPPINES” HANDOUT, MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO — EDITORIAL USE ONLY— The Multilateral Naval Activity, held as part of the Balikatan exercises in the South China Sea, has concluded with the participation of the United States, the Philippines and Japan. The annual joint exercise between the Philippines and the US began on April 21 and is scheduled to last until May 9. The exercise is taking place amid a months-long confrontation between China and the Philippines over contested waters, with both sides accusing each other of ecological degradation in the South China Sea. Both sides have claims in the South China Sea, with Beijing asserting control over nearly the entire region. Reporting by Armed Forces of Philippines // Writing by Mustafa Tuncer