Amid China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea, more countries are pushing for stronger maritime security partnerships with the Philippines in 2025.
Ambassadors from France, Japan, the European Union, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Australia reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding regional stability and maritime sovereignty during a maritime security forum organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the French Embassy in the Philippines,
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel emphasized the robust maritime security cooperation between France and the Philippines, citing key milestones such as France’s participation in the 39th Balikatan Exercises, the deployment of the Pegase 24 Air and Space Force, and the establishment of a full-fledged defense mission in Manila in June.
“For an archipelagic nation like the Philippines, maritime safety is crucial. Ensuring the efficient transport of people and goods is essential for economic prosperity, while territorial and maritime sovereignty are vital for national security,” she said.
Stratbase Institute President Professor Dindo Manhit highlighted the pivotal role of international partnerships in addressing regional challenges, particularly in the maritime domain.
“Our collaboration goes beyond defense concerns and extends to the safety of trade routes, port modernization, and the sustainable management of maritime industries. This partnership strengthens our collective commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous maritime region,” he said.
Manhit also noted the importance of strengthening maritime cooperation between France and the Philippines.
“2024 was a year of many firsts in the maritime strategic cooperation between France and the Philippines. These milestones have laid the foundation for even greater achievements in 2025, a year of promising opportunities to further strengthen the bonds between our two maritime nations,” he remarked.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya reiterated Japan’s commitment to upholding the rule of law as outlined in the UNCLOS.
“Japan stands ready to work closely with the Philippines, ASEAN, and the international community to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” he declared.
European Union Delegation Ambassador Massimo Santoro underscored the importance of a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
“A region free from coercion is key to our collective stability, peace, and prosperity. Strategic partnerships are central to the EU’s approach to the Indo-Pacific, promoting cooperation over confrontation,” he explained.
Ambassadors from ASEAN neighbors, Agus Widjojo of Indonesia and Lai Thai Binh of Vietnam, also participated in the forum.
Indonesian Ambassador Widjojo emphasized the importance of maximizing the geopolitical significance of maritime Southeast Asia.
“As the maritime nations, Indonesia and the Philippines should maximize the benefit of the geopolitical importance of maritime Southeast Asia. While Indonesia and the Philippines should continue the existing close maritime cooperation, both countries should find ways to promote regional maritime cooperation in the wider Indo-Pacific region,” he expressed.
Binh echoed this sentiment, noting that maritime security is not only a national interest but a shared regional imperative.
“For Vietnam and the Philippines, maritime security is not just a matter of national interest, but a shared regional imperative. Addressing these complex challenges requires robust partnerships and a steadfast commitment to upholding international law, particularly the UNCLOS,” he said.
Australian Acting Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Dr. Moya Collett announced that the Philippines will participate for the first time in the Talisman Sabre exercise, the largest military exercise in the southern hemisphere.
She also highlighted the second iteration of Exercise ALON, designed to enhance interoperability among strategic partners, and reaffirmed Australia’s continued participation in the Balikatan Exercises.
“Maritime security and territorial defense are now core pillars of Australia’s Defense Cooperation Program, evolving in response to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ needs,” Dr. Collett stated.
