Philippines Foreign Ministry: Will continue championing nation's maritime rights and interests through effective and principled diplomatic efforts
TL;DR
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its commitment to defending maritime rights through principled diplomacy, as highlighted in recent U.S.-Philippines strategic talks. Key efforts include enhanced defense cooperation, economic projects, and multilateral coordination to address regional challenges like South China Sea disputes.
Tags
Philippines Foreign Ministry: Will continue championing nation's maritime rights and interests through effective and principled diplomatic efforts
Philippines Foreign Ministry: Commitment to Maritime Diplomacy Amid Regional Tensions
The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the nation’s maritime rights through principled diplomatic engagement, as outlined in recent bilateral discussions with the United States. During the 12th Philippines-U.S. Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) in February 2026, both nations underscored their shared commitment to upholding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law in the Indo-Pacific region.
The dialogue highlighted collaborative efforts to strengthen maritime security, including the deployment of advanced U.S. military capabilities during joint exercises like BALIKATAN and the expansion of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites, supported by a $144 million appropriation in Fiscal Year 2026. These measures aim to enhance the Philippines’ capacity to monitor and respond to maritime challenges, such as illegal fishing and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The DFA has also defended its approach to maritime diplomacy amid public scrutiny. In a February 13 press briefing, DFA spokesperson Rogelio Villanueva emphasized that the agency’s actions remain grounded in professionalism and national interest, rejecting "performative rhetoric" that could undermine diplomatic efforts. This stance aligns with broader regional strategies, including the Philippines’ submission to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf to assert extended maritime entitlements in the West Philippine Sea.
Economic cooperation further reinforces these security priorities. The U.S. and Philippines agreed to advance projects like the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), including a freight rail link between Subic and Clark, and to deepen collaboration on critical infrastructure, energy resilience, and supply chain diversification. Additionally, the U.S. pledged $1.5 million to develop a small modular reactor (SMR) control room simulator in the Philippines, supporting nuclear energy initiatives aligned with international safety standards.
As the Philippines chairs ASEAN in 2026, multilateral coordination with allies like Japan and Australia remains a priority, reflecting a strategic balance between diplomatic engagement and regional security. These efforts underscore the interdependence of economic stability and maritime sovereignty in shaping the Philippines’ long-term growth trajectory.
[^NUMBER citations correspond to source materials provided.]
