With tensions escalating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Stratbase Institute is pressing the Philippines to move decisively from strategy to execution—calling for the full operationalization of an “active defense” posture amid China’s continued assertiveness in the disputed waters.
In a statement Friday, Stratbase Institute President and CEO Victor Andres Manhit said the country must intensify joint military exercises with like-minded nations and abandon any discussions on joint energy exploration with China in the WPS.
Manhit voiced “unequivocal support” for the 2026 Balikatan exercises, set from April 20 to May 8, which will bring together more than 17,000 troops from the Philippines and allied partners including the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand.
He described this year’s drills as more “dynamic,” highlighting the inclusion of advanced, high-impact activities such as missile defense exercises and coordinated combat maneuvers—capabilities seen as crucial in deterring external threats.
“These exercises represent the correct path forward,” Manhit said, stressing that enhanced military cooperation sends a strong signal of readiness and resolve.
He added that Balikatan serves as a “clear and unambiguous message” that the Philippines and its allies are prepared to defend the rules-based international order against coercion and unlawful maritime claims.
“It affirms that we are not isolated,” he said. “Our national security is anchored in strong alliances with nations that uphold international law and share our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The think tank’s call comes as China continues what Manila describes as illegal, coercive, and deceptive actions in the WPS—moves that defy the landmark 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, which invalidated Beijing’s sweeping claims. The ruling marks its 10th anniversary this July.
While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) declined to comment on operational specifics of an “active defense” posture for security reasons, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. had earlier outlined a broader framework under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC).
The CADC seeks to strengthen the AFP’s capability to defend the country’s entire territory, including its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and vital sea lanes.
“In plain language, we are developing our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and EEZ,” Teodoro said in a previous statement, underscoring the long-term goal of ensuring Filipinos can fully benefit from the country’s natural resources.
He added that the strategy would safeguard not only national territory but also Filipino citizens and enterprises engaged in lawful activities within Philippine jurisdiction—ensuring unimpeded and peaceful exploration of resources.
As geopolitical tensions persist, calls to operationalize “active defense” signal a gro
