PH, France stress need for stronger maritime governance in Indo-Pacific

The Philippines and France have underscored the importance of effective maritime governance in promoting peace, sustainability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, as both nations confront shared security and environmental challenges in the region.

The call was made during the final leg of the “Blue Talks,” organized by the Stratbase Institute in partnership with the French Embassy in the Philippines under the Blue Nations initiative of the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC).

Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit said effective maritime governance extends beyond protecting national waters, stressing that the seas must remain “a shared space of peace, prosperity, and sustainability.”

“We believe that the Philippines cannot—and should not—stand alone. We reaffirm our commitment to promoting cooperation among like-minded states such as France, upholding international law, and ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific,” Manhit said.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel reaffirmed France’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Philippines, citing the letter of intent signed in December 2024 by the defense ministers of both countries. The agreement aims to enhance defense collaboration, capacity building, and regular exchanges on maritime security and sustainability.

“Our engagement has moved beyond declarations towards tangible joint initiatives, information sharing, and trust building. We must continue to exchange our assessments of the asymmetric threats we face collectively,” Fontanel said.

National Maritime Council Spokesperson Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez (Ret.) said the West Philippine Sea remains the frontline of China’s gray-zone tactics, marked by coercive and unlawful maneuvers.

He said that the Philippines and France can expand joint maritime domain awareness through shared surveillance data, satellite technology, and research collaboration to develop an integrated and sustainable maritime governance framework.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela echoed the call to strengthen maritime governance, citing the need for investments in education, vessel acquisition, and continued cooperation with the French Navy.

“Maritime governance is no mere sidebar to conflict. It is the very compass of our ocean stewardship, spanning maritime safety, regulatory frameworks, marine environmental protection, law enforcement, and security,” Tarriela said,

He also urged that the West Philippine Sea be treated as a key election issue, emphasizing the need to leverage the 2016 Arbitral Award and rally international support to uphold the Philippines’ maritime rights.