In photo: Ambassadors and representatives of at least 26 countries that reaffirmed their support to the Arbitral Ruling during the biggest West Philippine Sea Conference on Friday, organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute. These countries include Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, the European Union, France, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Vietnam, United Kingdom, and United States.
MAKATI CITY – International think tank Stratbase ADR Institute calls for more joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and like-minded countries, amid continuous illegal and aggressive actions of China inthe area. Stratbase President Professor Dindo Manhit made the statement during the biggest West Philippine Sea forum on Friday in celebration of the 8th anniversary of the arbitral award, which rejected China’s expansive nine-dash line and upheld the Philippine position that China has no lawful claims to areas covered by the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf.
In a statement, Manhit urged like-minded countries to “reinforce cooperation and elevate partnerships by
conducting joint patrols and military exercises”. “Let us likewise support the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to protect our territory and maritime resources in the West Philippine Sea. These measures, the Institute believes, send a strong message that the Philippines is not alone. Those who attempt to circumvent their obligations and behave aggressively will not be tolerated by the international community. We will not waver in our determination and commitment,” Manhit said.
During the conference, at least 26 countries, through their ambassadors and their representatives, gathered together and reaffirmed their support on the 2016 Arbitral Award. Among the countries who reaffirmed their support to the award during the conference were Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and the United States. Also present were the ambassadors of Austria, Bangladesh, the European Union, Germany, Greece, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, and Vietnam, and representatives from Brunei, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Manhit emphasized the importance of the arbitral ruling and cooperation with like-minded states amid China’s continuous aggression in the West Philippine Sea. “This year, we witnessed actions – the most aggressive by far — performed against our fellow Filipinos at sea. Our troops, fisherfolk, and vessels encountered several attempts to block rotation and reprovision missions, numerous occasions of firing of water cannons, and an alarming number of collisions and near-collisions… Our boats may be damaged, and our lives may continuously be at risk, but our will to defend the West Philippine Sea has never been stronger,” Manhit said. “We have the whole of Philippine society behind us as we assert our rights in the West Philippine Sea, and the support of like-minded states in the community of nations. These give us hope and confidence that we will be able to safeguard our national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and economic rights in the West Philippine Sea. Our collective efforts, whether big or small, have a great impact on our collective pursuit of security and stability,” he added.
Also present during the conference on Wednesday were National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and heads of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Foreign and local security and foreign policy experts also joined in the discussions. “The legally binding arbitral ruling is clear: the West Philippine Sea is ours. It is the responsibility of all parties to abide by and recognize their obligations under international law… The position and the direction of our government are firm: we will not yield. We will never yield. We will be steadfast,” he maintained. “As we commemorate our victory today, we invite our friends, allies, and partners who also value the rule of law to reinforce cooperation. This, the Institute believes, sends a strong message to those who attempt to circumvent their obligations and behave aggressively. We will not waver in our determination and commitment,” Manhit said.