A Call for a Strong Multilateral System Anchored in International Law
The Philippines has springboarded a renewed push for multilateral partnerships grounded in international law as a pivotal mechanism to address today’s fast-moving security challenges. In Brussels, where top diplomats gathered to assess threats spanning maritime security, cyberattacks, and strategic competition, Manila articulated a clear vision: strengthen the rules-based order that has long underpinned global stability.
Advocacy for a legal framework-driven approach is not new for Manila. What is notable is the emphasis on practical, concrete avenues for alliance-building, shared norms, and cooperative responses to crises that respect sovereignty and human rights. The Philippine government argues that when agreements are anchored in law, they reduce miscalculation, increase transparency, and offer a fair platform for dispute resolution—qualities increasingly in demand amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Maritime Security and the Law of the Sea
Maritime safety remains a frontline concern as sea lanes become more congested and contested. The Philippines highlighted the role of existing frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and urged the international community to bolster enforcement, information sharing, and joint patrols where lawful. By aligning coastal states and maritime powers within a legal lattice, the risk of coercive actions at sea can be mitigated, while legitimate freedom of navigation is preserved. The discussion underscored how law-based cooperation can deter illegal activities like illicit fishing, smuggling, and aggressive territorial claims that threaten regional stability.
Cybersecurity and International Norms
Beyond the oceans, the digital frontier poses novel threats to governance, commerce, and personal privacy. Delegates at the Brussels gathering acknowledged the urgency of a common cyber norm framework that respects sovereignty and protects critical infrastructure. The Philippine position advocates for multilateral dialogue—combining technical expertise with legal clarity—to deter malicious cyber operations, facilitate accountability, and promote responsible state behavior in cyberspace. The aim is not only to respond to incidents but to reduce the frequency of attacks through shared best practices and joint capacity-building efforts.
Inclusive Rules-Based Cooperation
In a world of diverse interests, the Philippines stressed that an effective multilateral system must be inclusive, transparent, and anchored in international law. This means giving voice to smaller states and civil society in decision-making processes, while maintaining a robust mechanism for resolving disagreements peacefully. The diplomatic message is simple: alliances anchored in shared legal commitments are more predictable, less prone to spontaneous escalation, and better equipped to manage non-traditional security threats such as pandemic risks, climate-induced challenges, and economic coercion.
Global Threats, Shared Responsibilities
While national interests are always at play, the Brussels discussions underscored a common understanding that no single country can shoulder today’s security burden alone. The Philippines called for sustained multilateral engagement that leverages existing institutions and strengthens them where gaps exist. This includes verifying compliance with international law, expanding joint training exercises, and promoting dispute settlement mechanisms that are fair, timely, and accessible to smaller states.
Looking Ahead: Concrete Steps and Commitments
What follows the Brussels talks are concrete steps to operationalize a rule-of-law-driven coalition. Potential avenues include codifying norms for restraint in sensitive regional flashpoints, expanding information-sharing regimes to counter maritime and cyber threats, and developing joint legal aid and advisory services for countries navigating complex territorial disputes. The overarching goal is clear: empower a coalition of like-minded states to act together, predictably, and within the bounds of international law when confronted with aggression or coercion.
As diplomats return to their capitals, the message from Manila remains timed and specific: the legitimacy and effectiveness of the international order depend on a robust, law-based framework that can adapt to new security realities while preserving the core rights and obligations of states. In an era of rapid technological change and growing geopolitical uncertainty, multilateral alliances anchored on the rule of law offer a pragmatic route to durable peace and shared prosperity.
