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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH asserts maritime rights with allies against China in WPS

PH asserts maritime rights with allies against China in WPS

Published Mar 26, 2026 03:02 pm

At A Glance

  • PH reaffirms 2016 arbitral ruling in West Philippine Sea against China.
  • AFP stresses maritime rights and adherence to international law.
  • Defense cooperation with allies, including Balikatan exercises, strengthens Manila's posture.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Photo: AFP)
Philippine security officials reaffirmed Manila’s commitment to uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) against China and strengthen defense partnerships with allies, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. said the Philippines remains anchored in international law and will continue asserting its maritime rights through peaceful and lawful means.
“In the face of the People’s Republic of China’s increasing assertiveness in the West Philippine Sea and the broader South China Sea, the Philippines remains firmly anchored in international law, diplomacy, and transparency,” Brawner said.
He described the country’s stance as “principled restraint, coupled with resolve.”
Brawner added that expanding defense cooperation with allies, including the “SQUAD” grouping and the upcoming Balikatan exercises, demonstrates Manila’s determination to safeguard its waters.
Stratbase Institute president Prof. Victor Andres Manhit said defending Philippine sovereignty requires a broader, multi-sectoral coordination and "strategic clarity", and stronger coordination with democratic partners.
"Because the next 70 years will not be defined by history - but by how we act today," Manhit said. "In a region where the stakes continue to rise, the Philippines and Japan have both the opportunity and the responsibility to work together - to strengthen economic resilience, enhance security cooperation, and uphold the principles that keep our region stable and open."
Philippine Coast Guard commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan said maritime security is a human right, noting personnel regularly protect Filipino fishers and respond to vessels in distress amid repeated harassment by Chinese ships.
He called the WPS the “most immediate test” of Manila’s partnerships with like-minded countries, stressing that cooperation with allies is crucial to maintaining a professional and unyielding presence at sea.
Former Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio urged the government to sustain allied naval presence in contested waters and explore additional legal measures to reinforce the 2016 arbitral award and secure broader international support.

Related Tags

PH maritime rights West Philippine Sea China assertiveness AFP
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