Four of the Philippines' allies reaffirmed their commitment to collective security, rule of law, and stronger community-based monitoring in the West Philippine Sea. They spoke at a Stratbase Institute forum. The National Security Adviser also met with Japan's counterpart on Chinese aggression.
At the Stratbase Institute’s “Eyes on the Sea: Community-Based Maritime Monitoring and Reporting in the West Philippine Sea” forum, representatives from Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and the United States confirmed their continued participation in safeguarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown highlighted the depth of strategic cooperation between Australia and the Philippines, describing their friendship as “enduring.” He announced that 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.”
New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh underscored regional cooperation, stating that “no country can address maritime challenges on its own, and New Zealand is working with regional partners to strengthen maritime safety, environmental protection and long-term governance.” She noted new technologies like IORIS and Starboard, which help detect threats, coordinate operations, and strengthen regional security through shared information systems.
Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh emphasized local engagement, saying “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.”
Regina Burns MacKenzie, director of the US embassy’s Regional Foreign Assistance Section, stressed maritime resilience’s role in economic stability, food systems, and the rules-based order. “By advancing the capacity of coastal communities to report illegal activity, the Philippines expands its maritime visibility and improves its ability to deter threats,” she said.
Stratbase Institute president Victor Andres Manhit cited that 72% of Filipinos want the government to protect the country’s territory, marine resources, and 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,” Manhit said.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año met with Japan National Security Advisor Keiichi Ichikawa in Manila to discuss shared security priorities, including Chinese aggression in the WPS and support for Japan amid challenges in the East China Sea.