Stronger ties between PH, allies needed to boost maritime security — experts

TRAINING WITH ALLIES The Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna leads three other participating ships during the first Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity between the Philippines, the United States, Australia and Japan, in the West Philippine Sea last April.  —ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — 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.

International studies professor Renato de Castro, meanwhile, said China’s increased incursions in the West Philippine Sea should be seen as a case of “a maritime power bent on expansion.”

READ: Marcos citing historical treaties boosts PH territorial claims—Carpio

He noted how the current administration’s Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), which is aimed at beefing up the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capabilities in countering China’s maritime expansion, faces technical and financial constraints.

“The U.S. and Australia stand out as the most capable and willing security partners in assisting the Philippines in developing its capabilities to transform the CADC into a viable defense strategy,” De Castro said.

Furthermore, De Castro also pushed for a “Trilateral Australia-Philippines-United States (APUSA) Security Partnership that can advise, assist, and equip the Philippines in developing the necessary technical and material capabilities to implement its CADC.”

This, he said, can leverage the Philippines’ treaty alliance with the US and its security partnership with Australia.

He also suggests boosting the Australia-Philippines-U.S. trilateral military exercises, inviting Australian troops to Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites, and engaging the two countries in security dialogues.

Meanwhile, retired Rear Admiral Rommel Jude Ong advocated for continuous 24/7 patrols instead of “ceremonial patrols every three months.”

On the other hand, De La Salle University biology professor Carmen Ablan-Lagman noted how scientific collaboration can serve as a diplomatic tool to foster peaceful relations, build confidence, and promote mutual understanding.

“As tensions in the West Philippine Sea escalate, collectively addressing issues such as managing fish stocks, reducing loss of biodiversity, preventing marine pollution, and extending humanitarian assistance in response to disasters without prejudice over territorial claims may be needed to build trust among participating agencies,” Ablan-Lagman said.

She said the Philippines must expand its presence in the region not only through joint patrols and military exercises but also through initiatives focusing on sustainable fisheries, maritime transport, renewable energy, tourism, and waste management – given the global call to promote the blue economy and keep the oceans healthy.

The Philippines has been embroiled in a territorial dispute with China, after the latter claimed the majority of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, through its so-called nine-dash line.

READ: Marcos: PH won’t yield West Philippine Sea; to defend it at all cost

China claims that it owns the entirety of the South China Sea, including portions of the West Philippine Sea.

However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration already invalidated China’s claims and upheld the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone through a 2016 Arbitral Award.

READ: Marcos rejects China’s claim that PH ruining regional peace 

Despite this, China continues to insist on its claims, continuing its aggression and militarization even in areas of the Philippines’ territory in the West Philippine Sea.