By Monsi A. Serrano
The United Kingdom’s landmark decision to raise its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035—its largest military investment since the Cold War—sends a powerful message of commitment to global peace and regional stability, especially in the Indo-Pacific and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
At a recent event marking the 9th anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils reaffirmed the UK’s support for the Philippines and the rules-based international order.
“The UK stands as a confident, enduring partner of the Philippines in securing peace, upholding international law, and ensuring that might never overrides right,” she said.
“Our collaboration is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a clear understanding: that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are inextricably linked,” she said, noting that over $5 trillion in annual global trade passes through South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.
The 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the WPS, and Ambassador Beaufils stressed that the award is binding—regardless of China’s rejection.
“This award was a pivotal moment for UNCLOS and the global maritime order. We will continue to call for respect of the international law in the South China Sea not just in words, but through action,” she said.
Beaufils commended the Philippines’ “bold leadership in defending international law” and emphasized that the UK’s engagement in the region is grounded in the United Nations Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
She also highlighted the emergence of new security partnerships and multilateral frameworks countering excessive maritime claims that threaten peace.
“Our efforts are always more powerful when we act together, in good company,” she added, referring to the growing coalition of like-minded countries confronting China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea.
The ambassador pointed to the UK-Philippines Enhanced Partnership Framework, signed in March 2025, as the foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation in foreign policy, maritime security, and the rule of law.
She also confirmed the upcoming port visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group to Manila under Operation Highmast, calling the Philippines a “key partner” in safeguarding regional stability.
As she nears the end of her four-year posting, Beaufils reflected on her mission in Manila as one deeply engaged with maritime security and South China Sea issues.
“This will be one of my last events as Ambassador. We have spent a lot of time thinking about, and working on, the South China Sea, international law, and maritime security. So this is quite a fitting way to close my time here,” she said.
She leaves behind a legacy of principled diplomacy and steadfast partnership—one that champions international law and a shared vision where “might never overrides right.”
