Dynamic response to security challenges

A significant part of the 20 years that the Stratbase Group has been around has been spent campaigning for the observance of rules-based international order and respect for the sovereignty of nations.

This is a continuing quest as the Philippines faces sustained challenges from China in the West Philippine Sea.

China had the temerity to summon our ambassador after President Marcos signed two new laws—the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No. 12064) and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (Republic Act No. 12065)—asserting our rights over areas that China is claiming. These key pieces of legislation recognize the maritime and archipelagic identity of the country. They reinforce our policies for ensuring both economic and national security.

The first law defines the extent of our maritime entitlements and fully declares their bounds in accordance with our Constitution and with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Mr. Marcos said during the signing.

“By defining and asserting our maritime zones, we project to the international community that we are staunchly committed to nurturing, cultivating and protecting our maritime domain,” Mr. Marcos said.

The second law complements both our maritime and aerial policies by establishing a route system in our country’s archipelagic waters as well the airspace above it.

“The designated archipelagic sea lanes and air routes aim to facilitate safe passage for foreign ships and aircraft without compromising our national security nor diminishing our capacity for good environmental stewardship,” Mr. Marcos said.

We need these laws. Over the past years, China has employed numerous forms of harassment as it continues to ignore the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration favoring the Philippines. It has resorted to water cannons, military grade laser, sideswiping, verbal attacks, and many other tactics as it tries to twist the narrative to present itself as the aggrieved party.

Of course, we know that is only propaganda—something which our giant neighbor has become so good at—and that it has an ultimate objective that would go against international law and the rights of the Philippines.

On Nov. 6 and 7, Stratbase held its ninth Pilipinas Conference that brought together key leaders and experts to discuss the pressing issues in our country.

The first day was devoted to security challenges, in the face of emerging threats, from maritime disputes to cyberattacks and disinformation. In navigating these complex challenges, the Philippines needs a comprehensive defense strategy that extends beyond conventional security measures.

Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the external defense plans of the Armed Forces are multi-dimensional. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Romeo Brawner Jr. said cyber defense is a core component of the AFPs’ new Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. In fact, Maj. Gen. Rommel Cordova, deputy chief of staff for plans (J5), said the AFP had activated the Cyber Command on Nov. 5. Brawner, however, emphasized that success in countering pressing threats depends on collaboration.

Brig. Gen. Leo Fontanilla, wing commander of the 5th Fighter Wing of the Philippine Air Force, emphasized that strengthening our partnerships with allied nations and bolstering regional cooperation will be critical in addressing shared security concerns and ensuring safe and secure skies for all. Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, echoed these sentiments and stated “Our forefathers managed to unify Filipinos despite a lack of connectivity. But I am uncertain now whether the current cyber connectivity we enjoy will foster our unity or contribute to the fragmentation of our collective stance on the West Philippine Sea.”

Over the years we have seen the support of like-minded nations such as Australia, Canada, European Union, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Republic of South Korea, Vietnam, United States, and many others. Australia announced through its Foreign Minister that it would invest $2.5 billion over the next four years, including $1.55 billion in new funding to enhance Southeast Asia’s maritime partnerships.

Indeed, the fight for the rule of law is not a fight of any single country. Shared commitment and values bring countries close together as they address a common threat, and help each other become stronger.

The geopolitical landscape today has changed much from the time Stratbase was established 20 years ago. With our will and commitment, and our friends by our side, we are ready to step up to the dynamics of this multipolar world.

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Dindo Manhit is founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group.