A group of retired Philippine foreign service officers has proposed a comprehensive policy for West Philippine Sea issues, emphasizing diplomacy and neutrality. They advocate an independent foreign policy leading to neutrality to avoid direct conflicts between world powers. Meanwhile, China urged the Philippines to show sincerity and stop provocations.
A group of retired Philippine foreign service officers released a paper titled “Diplomacy as the Linchpin for Protecting Philippine Rights in the West Philippine Sea.” It outlines measures to defend Philippine maritime rights in the WPS through diplomacy, while considering economic and cultural ties with China.
The authors stated that West Philippine Sea policy remains a work in progress, adaptable to geopolitical and economic shifts. They recommend strict adherence to the one-China policy and a long-term shift to neutrality, drawing lessons from the Ukraine war to avoid involvement in superpower conflicts. A strong economy is needed for a credible deterrent force and soft power, including public diplomacy to expose China's actions.
Proposals include establishing a maritime militia under the Philippine Coast Guard, using fishing boats from Zambales, Palawan, and the Sulu archipelago to monitor fishery laws and prevent smuggling.
In response, Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Lingpeng urged the Philippines to demonstrate sincerity, cease maritime infringements and provocations, and return to dialogue. The National Maritime Council condemned recent aggressive actions by Chinese Coast Guard, navy, and militia against Philippine vessels, aircraft, and fisherfolk.