The geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific is constantly shaped by various security issues to which states formulate and implement their respective foreign policies. The Philippines stands on a strategic crossroad where maritime security challenges are complexly interconnected with neighboring states. This was highlighted during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s state visit to China in January 2023.

The meeting between President Marcos Jr and President Xi Jinping offered an opportunity to discuss the issues in the West Philippine Sea and expand economic cooperation through the signing of numerous bilateral agreements. While President Marcos Jr. stated that the West Philippine Sea is not the sum of Philippine-China relations, its impact on national security and the livelihood of Filipino fishermen must be seriously considered. With China’s growing influence and assertiveness, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the elements that form its policies in the Indo-Pacific.

For the Philippines, its independent foreign policy must remain strategic and responsive to guaranteeing the country’s security while consistently cooperating with like-minded states. Furthermore, it must develop an archipelagic defense posture that is able to identify, manage, and address the issues in the country’s maritime territory, especially in the West Philippine Sea.

Through this event, the Institute seeks to provide a platform for experts and scholars to share their views and recommendations on the Philippines’ foreign policy direction.

Program

Xi Jinping’s Third Term and China’s Foreign Policy
Mr. Richard McGregor
Senior Fellow for East Asia, Lowy Institute

Spoke-to-Spoke Alliance: Australia, ASEAN, the Philippines, and ‘Middle Power’ Diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific
Mr. Richard Heydarian 
Non-Resident Fellow, Stratbase ADR Institute; 
Senior Lecturer, University of the Philippines – Asian Center

A Maritime Security Strategy: Contextualizing An Archipelagic Defense Posture
RADM Rommel Jude Ong (Ret.)
Professor of Praxis, Ateneo School of Government;
Trustee, Foundation for National Interest