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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH remains 'deeply committed' in addressing ballistic missile proliferation in Asia

PH remains 'deeply committed' in addressing ballistic missile proliferation in Asia

Published Jan 22, 2025 08:42 am

The Philippines remains "deeply committed" in advancing the global humanitarian disarmament agenda, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said as it hosted a seminar highlighting the urgent need for cooperation to address ballistic missile proliferation in Asia.

DFA ballistic missile proliferation seminar.jpg
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique host a two-day regional seminar on “Ballistic Missile Developments in Asia: Reducing Risk Through Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)” on Jan. 22 to 23, 2025 in Manila. (Photo courtesy of DFA)

“As a country that ratified nearly all major humanitarian disarmament treaties and endorsed recent key initiatives, such as the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, the Philippines is deeply committed to advancing the global humanitarian disarmament agenda,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for United Nations and International Organizations Maria Teresa Almojuela said on Wednesday, Jan. 22.

Almojuela noted that the Philippines was the first ASEAN Member State to subscribe to the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC).

The country having served as chair of the Subscribing States for two consecutive years "has consistently demonstrated its commitment to a rules-based international order and advancing non-proliferation and disarmament efforts."

The DFA official made the statement as the department, in partnership with the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), is hosting a two-day regional seminar on “Ballistic Missile Developments in Asia: Reducing Risk Through Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)” on Jan. 22 to 23 in Manila.

It brings together representatives from Indo-Pacific countries, international organizations, and leading experts to address the pressing challenges posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles in Asia.

Discussions were framed within the context of the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCoC), a vital multilateral mechanism that fosters transparency and reduces risks associated with missile activities.

According to the DFA, the regional seminar marked the first in a series of workshops on disarmament and non-proliferation to be hosted by the DFA, reflecting the Philippines’ dedication to fostering international peace, security, and cooperation through a rules-based international order.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Charles C. Jose underscored the seminar's importance in addressing security challenges: “The threats posed by ballistic missile proliferation demand collective action and enhanced cooperation. This seminar serves as a platform to reaffirm the importance of the HCoC as a tool for transparency, pre-launch notifications, and confidence-building measures.”

Participants are expected to engage in discussions on critical issues, including recent developments in missile proliferation in the Asia-Pacific region, the significance of pre-launch notifications and annual declarations under the HCoC, and the need to strengthen regional cooperation to mitigate risks and build trust.

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