The Philippines has welcomed the opposition of the G7 foreign ministers to the use of force and coercion in the South China Sea and for reaffirming the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.

"The Philippines welcomes the Joint Statement of G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Niagara published last 12 November 2025 that, among others, reaffirmed the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, and expressed strong opposition to the use of force and coercion in the South China Sea," the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

It underscored that the Philippines also shares the G7's views on the fundamental importance of maritime security and prosperity in global stability, economic resilience, and the well-being of all nations, and on the reaffirmation of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"We likewise share the G7's serious concern over the use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons, as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion, in the South China Sea," the DFA said.

The Philippines, though the DFA, also conveyed it's appreciation to the G7 ministers for their call for security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, including the South China Sea, and its reiteration of the significance of the 2016 Arbitral Award as a basis for the peaceful management and resolution of differences at sea.

Meanwhile, 45 countries in the Indo-Pacific are meeting in Manila to strengthen the multinational governance of IORIS — the coordination and information-sharing platform developed and implemented by the EU CRIMARIO project since 2018.

The 45 nations, represented by 120 officials, gathered for the 3rd IORIS Steering Committee Policy Board and Working Groups Meeting.

European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro, in his opening remarks, emphasized the need for a collective effort in upholding a peaceful, secure, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.

"The collective presence of all partners and stakeholders today underlines our shared understanding of the need to work together across agencies and borders to uphold a peaceful, secure, and rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific. The European Union stands ready to support these collective efforts, fostering coordination, resilience, and freedom of navigation in line with the rule of law and the UN Charter," Santoro said.

Participants will deliberate on key policy, operational and technical areas and opportunities to enhance cooperation across the region, using IORIS, from the east coast of Africa, through Asia and the Pacific, to Latin America.

The event will feature presentations of success stories that illustrate the platform’s tangible impact and contribution to regional cooperation. Notable examples include the interdiction of narcotics and other contraband, life-saving interventions during complex Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, coordinated counter-piracy efforts, and cooperative actions to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported fisheries (IUU).

"In line with the recent EU-Philippines Security and Defence Dialogue, the IORIS Steering Committee Working groups meeting will further deepen our strategic partnership, opening doors for enhanced cooperation in maritime security, hybrid threats, and regional resilience. This partnership, grounded in the rule of law and international norms, underscores our shared commitment to upholding a rules-based maritime order and increase regional cooperation on maritime security," National Maritime Centre Director Roy Echeverria said during the opening of the event.