Think tank lauds growing global support of 2016 arbitral ruling
Ambassadors from Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom voiced their support during the high-level conference.
Stratbase Institute president Victor Andres Manhit and members of the diplomatic corps during the high-level conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling last Friday, July 10. Official handout.
Anna Mogato | July 18, 2026
MANILA — Independent think tank Stratbase Institute commended the 26 foreign missions that supported the Philippines’s position on the West Philippine Sea.
The think tank was joined by several members of the diplomatic corps last week, as the Philippines celebrated its 10th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) Arbitral Ruling.
“By celebrating the milestone anniversary with the Philippines, these partners are ensuring that the 2016 Arbitral Award remains a living document that defines the future of a free, open, and stable Indo-Pacific,” Stratbase Institute president Victor Andres Manhit said.
Ambassadors from Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the United Kingdom voiced their support during the high-level conference. (Also read: Philippines remains confident that the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea will be finished this year)
Representatives from theUnited States, Ukraine, Netherlands, Ireland, Israel, Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Slovenia, Austria, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Italy and Thailand were also in attendance. (Also read: 10 years after arbitral win, new high seas treaty to also reinforce rules-based order, marine protection in WPS)
Manhit said Filipino citizens are also in support of improving the country’s deterrence capabilities through strengthening the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard.
A recently released Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group showed that 47% of respondents in Luzon supported the military’s modernization program as a top priority. Respondents from Visayas and Mindanao followed closely with 44% and 39%, respectively.
In the National Capital Region, 46% of respondents also placed military modernization as a top priority. (Also read: Teodoro urges government to increase defense spending to build credible deterrence)
The survey also showed that 33% of respondents believed the government should prioritize strengthening alliances through maritime cooperation and military exercises, while 22% preferred establishing defense and security ties with like-minded partners.
The opinion poll echoed the Pulse Asia survey released last May, showing 86% of respondents in favor of the Philippine government working with like-minded nations.
“The Filipino people understand that defending our maritime rights requires more than legal victories. It requires credible capabilities, resilient institutions, and sustained investment in the Armed Forces and the Philippine Coast Guard,” Manhit said.
“The survey shows that Filipinos recognize that our security begins with our ability to protect our sovereign rights and deter coercion in the West Philippine Sea.”
Manhit also said that the survey showed that Filipinos recognize the need for a capable military and strong partnerships with like-minded countries.
“As the security environment becomes more complex, the Philippines must continue investing in its own defense while deepening cooperation with allies who share our commitment to peace, stability, and international law,” he added.
The Philippines has added new defense partnerships, starting with signing a visiting forces agreement with France in January.
In June, the Philippines and Canada agreed to expand security ties, fortifying the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) signed last November 2025. (Also read: Canada’s expansion in the Indo-Pacific region)
Australia is also planning to establish a new defense cooperation arrangement this year. The Philippines is also set to formalize negotiations with the United Kingdom for an SOVFA.