An international think tank views expanded military cooperation with allies as the “correct path forward” for the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea. Stratbase Institute president Dindo Manhit voiced “unequivocal support” for this year’s Balikatan exercises, involving more than 17,000 troops from the Philippines and partners including the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, France and New Zealand.
In Manila, Stratbase Institute president Dindo Manhit expressed unequivocal support for this year’s Balikatan exercises. He stated they send a “clear and unambiguous message… that the Philippines and its partners are prepared to defend the rules-based international order against coercion, intimidation and unlawful claims.”
Manhit added, “It affirms that we are not isolated, and that our national security is anchored in strong alliances with nations that uphold international law and share our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
He noted China’s continued disregard for the 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating its sweeping claims over the South China Sea, also known as the West Philippine Sea. “That victory is final and non-negotiable. To dilute it—whether through silence, inaction, especially as the country approaches the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral award—is to erode the legal and moral clarity it firmly established,” Manhit said.
He further remarked that public trust in engagements with China remains low, as experience has validated caution.
