It is with pleasure that we share with you Stratbase ADR Institute’s SPARK for March 2021 entitled, “China’s Coast Guard Law: A ‘Time Bomb’ Ready to Explode”, written by Dr. Chester Cabalza, President and Founder of the International Development and Security Cooperation.

This research discusses Asia’s regional security in the context of China’s new Coast Guard Law. Aside from China’s naval law, the author explains also the pertinent maritime laws governing the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It then elaborates on the intricacies and complexities in the South China Sea, particularly in relation with the Philippines and China. In the end, the paper insinuated a maritime governance strategy that serves as a framework and mechanism for robust diplomatic engagements, developing the capabilities of Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies, and the strengthening of maritime environmental protection

In its entirety, the research aligns well with our advocacy in promoting territorial integrity and defending maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea and in promoting rules-based international order in the face of the Emergence of China and our regional security challenges.