Philippines marks arbitral victory with security forum on July 11

A high-level security forum will take place on July 11 at the Manila Polo Club to mark the 9th anniversary of the Philippines' arbitral victory against China in the West Philippine Sea.

The conference, titled '9th Year of the Arbitral Victory: Defending the Rules-Based Order through Reinforced Defense Capabilities and Partnerships,' is a collaboration between Stratbase Institute and the Australian Embassy.

Stratbase President Dindo Manhit emphasized that staying silent in the face of China's aggression is not neutrality but neglect, and called for clarity and courage from leaders.

Discussions will focus on maritime cooperation, regional security, enforcing the Arbitral Award, recognizing the efforts of Philippine military personnel defending the country's waters, and highlighting the importance of international law.

The forum also honors late Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, who was instrumental in the arbitral case. On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won a landmark ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated China's massive claims in the South China Sea, which Beijing has ignored ever since.

In June, the Philippine Navy monitored an increase to 49 Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea - considered the highest so far this year.