The afternoon session, “Strengthening Defense Cooperation Among Like-Minded States,” highlighted how the Philippines’ expanding network of defense partnerships with like-minded states is crucial to securing the West Philippine Sea. It underscored how these partnerships, demonstrated through joint exercises, support for defense modernization, and enhanced maritime domain awareness, contribute to building credible deterrence and advancing shared commitments to peace, stability, and a rules-based international order. 
 
Ambassadors from Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom delivered messages affirming the enduring relevance of the 2016 Arbitral Award and their respective countries’ continued support for the Philippines. 
 
Following the panel, the Institute recognized the friends and partners that have not only helped the Philippines build credible deterrence but have also stood in defense of the Arbitral Award. Their presence demonstrated that the Philippines is not alone in defending what it has rightfully won. 
 
Aside from the 10 countries mentioned, representatives from Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand, Ukraine, the United States, and Vietnam also participated in the conference.