As tensions escalate in the West Philippine Sea amid renewed Chinese aggressions, experts and defense officials are calling for stronger regional cooperation and inclusive maritime governance — asserting that the future of the Indo-Pacific will be shaped not by dominance or force, but by collective stewardship, partnership, and adherence to international law.
This was the consensus at the forum “France and the Philippines: Promoting a Sustainable and Inclusive Maritime Governance in the Indo-Pacific” organized by the Stratbase ADR Institute in partnership with the French Embassy in the Philippines. The event convened key figures from government, defense, and diplomacy as part of the Blue Nations initiative leading up to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).
France and the Philippines: Building a Deeper Maritime Alliance
French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel said France’s partnership with the Philippines has moved from words to action following the Letter of Intent signed by both nations’ defense ministers on December 23, 2024, paving the way for collaboration in defense, capacity building, and information sharing.
“Our engagement has moved beyond declarations towards tangible joint initiatives, information sharing, and trust building,” Fontanel noted. “Beyond security and sovereignty, we must never forget that the ocean is also a human space — one that sustains lives, livelihoods, and cultures.”
Shared Seas, Shared Responsibility
Stratbase ADR Institute President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit warned that the Philippines continues to face provocations, encroachments, and even environmental weaponization by China — actions that threaten sovereign rights, freedom of navigation, global trade, and the maritime commons.
“Effective maritime governance is not just about defending territory,” Manhit said. “It’s about ensuring our seas remain shared spaces of peace, prosperity, and sustainability. France remains a steadfast partner of the Philippines in this endeavor.”
He added that the Philippines “cannot — and should not — stand alone,” reaffirming the nation’s commitment to cooperate with like-minded nations such as France, uphold international law, and ensure a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
‘The West Philippine Sea Is an Election Issue’
Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez (Ret.), spokesperson of the National Maritime Council, described the West Philippine Sea as the frontline of China’s gray zone activities — marked by coercive, illegal, and aggressive tactics such as the recent incident near Pag-asa Island.
He called for deeper cooperation with France through shared surveillance data, satellite technology, and coordinated research, to establish a maritime governance framework that is integrated, sustainable, and inclusive.
“The Indo-Pacific’s future will not be written by the strongest navy or the largest economy,” Lopez said. “It will be written by those who can govern the seas wisely, inclusively, and sustainably.”
Maritime Governance: The Compass of Sovereignty
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela underscored that maritime governance is not secondary to conflict, but the foundation of sovereignty itself — encompassing safety, sustainability, and law enforcement.
“Maritime governance is the very compass of our ocean stewardship,” Tarriela said. “It spans safety, regulatory frameworks, environmental protection, and security.”
He emphasized the need for education, capacity building, vessel modernization, and closer coordination with the French Navy to enhance maritime security.
“Our cooperation with France — from safety and connectivity to bolstering law enforcement and confronting illegal, coercive maneuvers of China — is crucial,” he said.
Tarriela also urged that the West Philippine Sea be treated as an election issue, reminding Filipinos that defending maritime rights is a national imperative.
“We must double our efforts to rally global support and leverage the 2016 Arbitral Award,” he added.
The discussions concluded with a shared pledge to uphold international law, strengthen maritime partnerships, and promote a rules-based Indo-Pacific anchored on peace, cooperation, and sustainable governance.