The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a rules-based international order while exploring new strategies for maritime cooperation during the 3rd Philippines-US Maritime Dialogue held in Manila on Thursday.
The discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties to ensure maritime security and address evolving challenges in the region.
“This dialogue is a testament to the strength of [the] alliance and [the] shared commitment to uphold a free, open and secure maritime environment,” said Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez.
Alferez added the US and the Philippines “must continue to assess and discuss our current responses to ensure they are sufficient to counter evolving challenges.”
The dialogue prioritized maritime law enforcement efforts, focusing on “enhanced information-sharing, capacity building, and joint operations” between the two nations.
Discussions also centered on the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard to better equip it for safeguarding the region’s waters.
Both sides underscored the importance of policy coordination “to address recent developments in the South China Sea, particularly in light of territorial disputes and rising tensions.”
In addition to security concerns, the dialogue tackled the issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing—a persistent threat to the region’s marine resources.
Both countries pledged to continue working together on environmental conservation and climate change initiatives, with particular attention to blue economy programs that promote sustainable use of ocean resources.
Collaborative efforts on marine scientific research and oil spill response mechanisms were also discussed as part of broader environmental protection efforts.
