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The national government should push for stronger partnerships with other like-minded nations to boost maritime and economic security amid tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea, said maritime experts.
They said this during a forum led by international think tank Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the Embassy of Australia in the Philippines in Makati City on Thursday.
Embassy of Australia in the Philippines Acting Deputy Ambassador Johanna Stratton opened the discussion, stressing the need for stronger alliances to ensure “a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, where our maritime and marine environments are protected.”
“Australia is deeply concerned when countries pursue claims or engage in activities that are inconsistent with international law, when they undertake activities that are provocative and destabilizing, when they don’t respect the freedoms and rights of others, and when they advance their claims by intimidation or coercion,” Stratton said.
Stratbase President Dindo Manhit echoed Stratton’s sentiments, calling strengthened cooperation with partners like Australia a “strategic move.”
“We, at Stratbase ADRi, believe that enhanced cooperation with like-minded states is key to the Philippines achieving both maritime and economic security, and ultimately, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Manhit said.
“Amidst geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, such partnerships are strategically necessary to foster regional stability and prosperity,” he added.
