Uniting vs state-sponsored aggressive coercion
September 18, 2023originally published in The Manila Standard
The Philippine’s and the Indo-Pacific region’s defense and security are increasingly at risk due to the aggressive actions driven by hegemonic objectives
The Philippines is now directly confronted by continuing incidents of harassment by Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea which some geopolitical experts have called are risky maneuvers that are attempting to enforce a virtual maritime “blockade” in what China is unilaterally branding as its new “standard map” and is now a “10 dash” from what used to be a “9 dash” claim.
In a recent published statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command said, “The repeated swarming incidents in both Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal emphasize the continuous violation of Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction in its western border” and that the increased presence of Chinese fishing vessels “raises concerns regarding the potential implications for Philippines’ maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of the marine environment.”
These acts of hostility and intimidation from China has precipitated the galvanizing of alliances between like-minded states that have consistently valued and upheld the rule-of-law under United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and have recognized the historic arbitral decision that nullified China’s so called “dash” claims as without basis and declared Chinese activities in the South China Sea and the Philippines Exclusive Economic Zones as illegal.
The commitments to sustain the international rules-based order have gone beyond words and are now powerfully manifested by ongoing joint patrols with United States, Japan and Australia. Reported to also be open to join are Germany, Canada and France.
India, another like-minded country, is seeking to significantly strengthen maritime cooperation with the Philippines.
The recently concluded Track 2 session of Philippine-India Maritime Dialogue organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs–Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office, the Embassy of India in Manila, and the National Maritime Foundation of India gathered Filipino and Indian maritime security, geopolitical, economic experts, and foreign diplomats where views on how lawful commerce should be unimpeded and sustained because of global implications were exchanged.
National Maritime Foundation of India Executive Director and Indian Navy Commodore Debesh Lahiri stated the Indo-Pacific “should remain free, open, and inclusive to all, regardless of the size of the country, regardless of the size of the nation, and regardless of the size of the economy.”
“India’s policy is very clear. It is security and growth for all in the region. It does not follow a particular state. It is for all in the region and that is very important,” he said.
In his statement, Shambhu Kumaran, the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, underscored that “All countries are bound by international law, but larger nations bear a greater responsibility in upholding it.”
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Policy Planning and Coordination Patrick Chuasoto said, “The Philippines and India share a deep understanding of the importance of a secure maritime environment for regional stability. We see India as kindred, a natural partner in our efforts to strengthen the rules-based international order under persistent threats to undermine it.”
Another Stratbase ADRi forum held Sept 14 with a related theme, “Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific: The Role of ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners.” former Senator and Defense Secretary Orlando “Orly” Mercado said in resolving the South China Sea disputes, “it is very important that we strengthen the enforcement mechanism of what we agree upon, enhance dialogue forums, strategic alliances, and develop a comprehensive regional security framework.”
German think tank Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s Country Director in the Philippines Daniela Braun said Germany is a strong supporter of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and there should be mechanism to address violations.
Dr. Pranshanth Parameswaran, Wilson Center Fellow and ASEAN Wonk Newsletter Founder, noted “while the Code of Conduct is still being negotiated, a Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea is already in place, and that China has already repeatedly violated this.”
Stratbase ADRi President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit observed that ASEAN states are facing major obstacles in agreeing on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and called for cooperation in the framework of the rule of law through peaceful and legally binding negotiations
“States must also be up to the challenge of developing effective measures in the South China Sea to prevent aggressive and coercive states from unilaterally asserting selfish claims. In doing so, states with rightful claims must not be afraid to condemn expansionist activities in their respective territories, as the rule of law is on our side. We are on the right side of history, and we shall not allow other states to take this away from us.”
The Philippine’s and the Indo-Pacific region’s defense and security are increasingly at risk due to the aggressive actions driven by hegemonic objectives.
It’s encouraging to see nations upholding international order, forming alliances, and collaborating to maintain regional peace.
United with our like-minded allies we can surmount these destabilizing challenges and become a sustainable global ecosystem of co-prosperity.