Key partners of the Philippines have reinforced their commitment to collective security, rule of law, and stronger community-based monitoring in the West Philippine Sea.
During the Stratbase Institute’s “Eyes on the Sea: Community-Based Maritime Monitoring and
Reporting in the West Philippine Sea” forum, Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown noted the depth of strategic cooperation between Australia and the Philippines, describing the friendship of the two countries as “enduring.”
“Australia remains steadfastly committed to working with the Philippines and the region to improve maritime capabilities and oversight, uphold international law and contribute to our collective security and prosperity for the years to come,” he said.
“In early 2026… the Embassy will officially launch the next phase of Australia’s civil maritime
investment in the Philippines, with a double funding allocation of $18 million… This investment will retain strong focus on equipment, capacity building systems and exchange and scholarship opportunities,” he added.
New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh underscored regional cooperation, stating that “No country can address maritime challenges on its own.”
New Zealand is working with regional partners to strengthen maritime safety, environmental protection, and long-term governance, she said, pointing to new technologies.
“Modern maritime domain awareness tools, including IORIS and Starboard, are helping New Zealand and its partners detect threats, coordinate operations, and strengthen regional security through shared information systems,” McIntosh said.
Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh reaffirmed peaceful but resolute action, stressing that “Vietnam is committed to resolving South China Sea issues peacefully in accordance with international law, while firmly defending its sovereignty and sovereign rights.”
“Community-based monitoring is central to Vietnam’s maritime awareness efforts, empowering local fishers and coastal residents to report illegal activities and contribute to national databases that guide policy,” Lai said.
Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres Manhit underscored the public mandate for action, citing that “72 percent of Filipinos want the government to protect our country’s territory and marine resources, as well as the rights of people and fishing communities. We always say we put a human face for our policy.”
“Our interest, I think, must be to defend what’s ours, to protect our seas, to protect our archipelagic sea lanes, our archipelagic nation… People think it’s simply about transparency. But it’s putting a light on what is happening,” Manhit said.
Regina Burns MacKenzie, Director of the US Embassy’s Regional Foreign Assistance Section, emphasized the importance of maritime resilience.
“We believe maritime security is fundamental to national resilience. It shapes economic stability, food systems, and the rules-based order that underpins peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region,” she said.
“When maritime spaces are secure, communities are more stable, markets function predictably, and nations can pursue long-term development grounded in transparency and international law,” she added.
