By Marinel E. Peroy
As tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) persist, foreign ambassadors to the Philippines shared compelling insights on the value of strategic partnerships in ensuring maritime security.
The discussions took center stage at a forum hosted by the Embassy of France to the Philippines, in collaboration with Stratbase ADR Institute, on January 23 at the Makati Diamond Hotel.
Here’s a closer look at their perspectives:
H.E. Kazuya Endo (Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines)
Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo underscored the strength of maritime cooperation built on trust and mutual respect.
“Any disruption in one part inevitably ripples across others. The South China Sea and other key areas in Asia are no exception,” the ambassador said. He emphasized that maritime challenges extend beyond bilateral disputes, affecting the interests of many nations.
“Addressing these entails competitive efforts, one built on comprehensive cooperation and solidarity as a key stakeholder in the region and safeguarding the Philippines,” he added.
Ambassador Endo highlighted Japan’s ongoing commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, citing initiatives like anti-piracy collaborations and efforts to strengthen defense ties across the region.
H.E. Agus Widjojo (Ambassador of Indonesia to the Philippines)
“As members of ASEAN, Indonesia and the Philippines play an active role in developing various maritime security cooperation under the ASEAN frameworks that promote both internal and external cooperation,” said Indonesian Ambassador Agus Widjojo.
He pointed to existing bilateral and multilateral agreements such as the Indonesia-Philippines Defense Industry Cooperation, Corpat Philindo, and Indomalphi TCA as examples of efforts to ensure regional maritime security.
“The more like-minded countries with the same aspirations and considerations work together under agreed guidelines and mechanisms, the more they contribute to the stability and development of the Indo-Pacific region,” he said, emphasizing inclusiveness, collective commitment, and mutual trust.
H.E. Massimo Santoro (Ambassador of the European Union to the Philippines)
EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro underscored the Indo-Pacific region’s importance, noting that over 80% of global trade relies on secure and open oceans.
“The security of the EU in the Indo-Pacific region is linked to national independence, to our economies, and to global challenges,” Ambassador Santoro said.
He reiterated the EU’s opposition to illegal activities and commitment to international law, emphasizing its partnership with the Philippines on maritime domain awareness, regional security, and addressing non-traditional security threats.
“The EU’s Indo-Pacific strategy prioritizes freedom of navigation and aviation, and we remain committed to enhancing cooperation with the Philippines to address shared maritime challenges,” he added.
H.E. Lai Thai Binh (Ambassador of Vietnam to the Philippines)
Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh highlighted the significance of the Philippines-Vietnam partnership in promoting peace and addressing maritime challenges in the WPS, including territorial disputes and environmental degradation.
“Vietnam is proud to work closely with the Philippines in addressing maritime transit. Our geographic proximity and shared maritime address have a strong position for collaboration with our mutual respect and trust,” the ambassador said.
He also emphasized collaboration with global partners like France, Japan, and the EU to strengthen maritime security, promote sustainability, and develop initiatives for marine environmental protection. “Adherence to international law and partnerships are vital for ensuring sustainable maritime practices and long-term peace,” he added.
Dr. Moya Collett (Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines)
Dr. Moya Collett shared Australia’s focus on expanding maritime cooperation with the Philippines, including vessel sustainment, equipment provision, and cybersecurity.
“Australia is looking into further cooperation in the maritime domain, from vessel sustainment to maritime protection and skills training,” Collett said.
She noted that Australia and the Philippines held their inaugural defense ministers’ meeting last year in Canberra, focusing on joint military exercises and multilateral coordination amid ongoing WPS tensions.
H.E. Marie Fontanel (French Ambassador to the Philippines)
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel highlighted France’s active role in building partnerships across the region, emphasizing dialogue and consensus-building.
“France has been actively strengthening its partnerships across the region. This strategy promotes dialogue and consensus-building, providing a framework for the resolution of disputes,” Ambassador Fontanel said.
She underscored the importance of maritime safety and environmental protection in the France-PH partnership.
“Together [with MARINA], we have developed safety standards for maritime transport, addressing the security of personnel and cargo, reducing pollution, and preserving marine ecosystems,” she said.
Ambassador Fontanel announced the upcoming visit of the French aircraft carrier group, Charles de Gaulle, to Manila next month and discussed initiatives such as the Balikatan exercise, Pegase 24 Air and Space Force deployment, and port calls by France’s Navy ships.
“France and the Philippines are partners for the oceans, with a key focus on protecting biodiversity as a vital aspect of sovereignty,” she concluded, referencing the ongoing preparations for the United Nations Conference on the Oceans in Nice, France, in June 2025.
#BlueTalks Conference
The forum culminated in the #BlueTalks conference, part of the Blue Nations initiative. France and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to ocean protection and fostering sustainable maritime practices in preparation for the 2025 global summit.
As the ambassadors’ insights reveal, addressing maritime challenges in the WPS requires a united front — one that emphasizes collaboration, inclusivity, and a shared vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
