Maritime security is a core issue for Filipinos
Global powers are voicing concern over the aggression and bullying that the Philippines is facing from China in the West Philippine Sea.
The most prosperous nations of the world—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, through their foreign ministers, as well as the High Representative of the European Union—met on March 12-14 in Quebec, Canada. The group issued a collective statement expressing their concern over the situation in the South China Sea, including the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippine vessels.
These nations remain concerned about China’s military buildup and the rapid expansion of its nuclear arsenal. They called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency. They emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.
The G7 similarly reaffirmed its commitment to an Indo-Pacific that is free, open, secure, and thriving—grounded in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful dispute resolution, and the protection of fundamental freedoms and human rights. It characterized China’s actions as “illicit, provocative, coercive, and dangerous.”
It is heartening to hear such support, but China shows no signs of backing down, pushing its gray zone operations to new extremes. In the meantime, as the Philippines grapples with its own domestic issues—upcoming elections, political rivalries, and economic challenges—it has to defend itself and assert its sovereignty against China. It needs the help of its friends.
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For Women’s Month, we at Stratbase reiterated the need to explore partnerships with like-minded nations such as Australia, and ensure that all sectors of society, including women, are involved. In partnership with the Australian Embassy, we held a forum on March 14 called “Women in the Maritime Space: Securing the Future of the Indo-Pacific through Strategic Collaboration.”
The speakers included Secretary Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) who shared some of her agency’s efforts toward environmental protection and sustainability in the West Philippine Sea.
“At the DENR, our contribution to protecting the Philippines’ maritime domain lies primarily in advancing climate action, conserving marine biodiversity, and the overall health of our ocean ecosystems beyond our national jurisdiction,” she said.
“Recognizing this momentum, we are compelled to act with the same level of urgency and resolve—ensuring that our work strengthens the country’s maritime security, while safeguarding the natural resources that sustain millions of Filipino lives.”
Among the initiatives of the DENR is the establishment of eight marine scientific stations, including a new research station on Pag-asa Island, and the upgrading of the Tubbataha Reef Ranger Station and the Snake Island Station in Palawan.
Last February, the DENR conducted integrated research on biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration in the West Philippine Sea (BIOCONSEQ-WPS Project) in Pag-asa Island. In April, more work is expected to be done at the Recto Bank and Rizal Reef.
But it’s not just the government that is making strides in our maritime defense. The Atin Ito Coalition said it would embark on its third civilian mission in the West Philippine Sea and hold a “Peace and Solidarity Sea Concert” on May 25.
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Safeguarding the West Philippine Sea and reinvigorating partnerships have certainly become a national priority. A Stratbase-commissioned Social Weather Stations survey in February revealed that 77 percent, or eight out of 10 Filipinos, agree that the Philippine government must further strengthen its alliance with other countries through joint patrols, joint sails, and joint military exercises to assert and defend the Philippines’ territorial and economic rights in the West Philippine Sea.
According to the same survey, and in view of the coming elections on May 12, 78 percent (eight out of 10 Filipinos) would vote for a candidate who believes that the Philippines must assert its rights against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
This is no longer just the concern of the Armed Forces, or the Department of Foreign Affairs. Instead, events in recent years and months and the escalating audacity with which China has been trampling on our rights, have become an issue that strikes at the core of who we are as Filipinos.
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Dindo Manhit is the founder and CEO of Stratbase Group.
