As Stratbase Institute President and WPS Philippine Advisory Board Vice Chair, Prof. Dindo Manhit was invited to speak and participate in the panel discussion entitled “The Nexus of Maritime Security and Economic Security Angles,” during the third day of The Manila Dialogue. 
 
In his remarks, he underscored the strategic importance of the Philippines in the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing its crucial role in sea lanes, trade routes, data connectivity, and supply chain diversification. He further highlighted the recognition of like-minded nations as vital partners in advancing both national security and economic growth reflecting the confluence of these two spheres of security. 
 
The discussion reinforced the shared understanding that maritime security in the South China Sea is deeply intertwined with regional economic stability, and fostering collaboration to deter coercive actions and strengthen economic resilience.