Indo-Pacific nations must stay the course on peace despite rising militarization and instances of aggression in the region, including in the West Philippine Sea, or WPS, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said during the 3rd European Union, Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable Discussion in Brussels, Belgium. “Flashpoints that are flagged as risks to regional peace and stability have existed for a while,” Manalo added. “If Indo-Pacific is to remain as an engine of global growth and human flourishing, especially amid global uncertainties we face and sharpening geopolitical conflicts, we need to firstly keep to the path of peace and secondly build resilience.”

Oliquino, E. (2024, February 4). 'WPS rift beyond superpower rivalry'. Daily Tribune, pp. A1, A2.