Dialogue on Maritime Governance in the South China Sea - Foundation Office Philippines
Event Reports
The Dialogue brought together various stakeholders and experts to discuss recent developments in the region, the challenges and prospects for regional security and cooperation, conservation and sustainability of marine resources, and the management and peaceful resolution of disputes in the near, medium, and long term.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo gave the keynote address and Mr. Roderich Kiesewetter, Member of the Bundestag and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), participated as a panelist and spoke about the role of legislators on the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The Dialogue recognizes the strategic and critical importance of the South China Sea region in global maritime trade and stability. The South China Sea is a potential flashpoint for conflict due to a complex web of territorial and maritime claims involving the area. Together with keeping the seas safe and secure, sustainability and preserving the marine ecosystem of the region for future generations is also a shared obligation.
Amidst this intricate security landscape, the Dialogue emerged as an essential platform for transparency and open communication on this regional and global issue. The discussion highlighted that threats to the rules-based international order has the potential to affect all of humanity as we live in an increasingly interconnected world. Thus, experts affirmed the need to abstain from the use of force and coercive actions in the South China Sea that erode and undermine the rules-based international order and contribute to further tensions. Experts also underscored the importance of raising awareness and involving all stakeholders and the general public, and for state actors to diligently explore and harness all peaceful avenues available including the UNCLOS, the ASEAN-led Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, public diplomacy initiatives, international law, and other bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
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