Stratbase ADRi hosted a roundtable discussion entitled: “The Special Japan-Australia Strategic Partnership Within the Ambit of Democratic Security Diamond: Seeking Partnership with the Philippines in Maritime Security” last December 6.

The round table discussion started with the presentation of Dr. Renato De Castro of his Special Study with the same title. Aside from the United States, two other countries have assisted the Philippines in enhancing its maritime security capabilities: Japan and Australia, both of which are members of a loose association of maritime democracies called the Democratic Security Diamond (DSD). As Japan’s and Australia’s efforts to enhance the maritime capabilities of the Philippines will be discussed, the following questions will likewise be addressed: What is the biggest challenge to maritime security governance in East Asia?; Why is Japan taking a proactive role in maritime security?; Why was there a push for the creation of the DSD?; How has the DSD fostered a strategic partnership between Japan and Australia?; and lastly, How can the Philippines maximize its interaction with the DSD in its efforts to develop its maritime security capabilities?

Thereafter, feedback to Dr. De Castro’s Special Study were given by experts: Julio Amador III (Adviser, ASEAN Studies Center, New Era University), Dr. Ador Torneo (Associate Professor, Political Science Dept., De La Salle University), and Jose Custodio (Defense Analyst).

His presentation may be accessed here. Photos of the event may be viewed here.

Dr. Renato de Castro’s Special Study is available online at our Scribd library.