ASEAN maritime security dialogue begins in Manila, May 21-23

Member-states of ASEAN are set to convene for a maritime security dialogue in Manila from May 21 to 23, focusing on producing actionable recommendations to protect maritime interests without external influence.

The event brings together Southeast Asia's foreign policy specialists, subject-matter experts, government officials, and next-generation leaders to probe opportunities for and obstacles to collective efforts on advancing a free, open, secure, and rules-based maritime order in the region.

Dr. Jeffrey Ordaniel, president of We Protect our Seas (WPS), emphasized that the dialogue will involve academics, policy elites, and maritime practitioners from all ten ASEAN member states, excluding China and the United States.

De La Salle University professor Renato de Castro noted the importance for ASEAN member states to express their views on issues related to the South China Sea independently of great power competition.

The Philippine government has renamed parts of the South China Sea within its territory as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce its claim.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, but China has not recognized this decision.