28th Parliamentary Intelligence -Security Forum – Rules-Based International Order in the Indo-Pacific: Views from the Region
Hon. Rachel Arenas highlighted that the Indo-Pacific region has been a battleground of empires, colonization and conflict—and that the region was later ushered in a new era that emphasizes fairness, diplomacy, and rule of law over force, dominance, and lawlessness. The emergence of the rules-based international order (RBIO), or the adherence to established norms, treaties and agreements, has enabled economies to flourish, lifted millions out of poverty, and promoted a fragile but real peace. It ensures that states, regardless of size and power, are treated with and respect and equity. However, she lamented that the RBIO framework is presently under siege and its continued disregard of this framework can bring about instability, conflict, and vulnerability.
The Philippines stood firm and subscribed to the RBIO instead of resulting to force when China laid sweeping and baseless claims over the South China Sea. Hon. Arenas thanked the countries that stood with the Philippines and their recognition of the arbitral award as binding and enforceable. The 2016 tribunal ruling was not only a victory for the Philippines but also a victory for every country that believes in fairness, legal order, and in peaceful dispute resolution. Despite the ruling, however, China has persisted on militarization, coercion and economic intimidation.
Emphasizing the importance and continued relevance of the RBIO, Hon. Arenas shared the Philippine view of the international order—i.e., it should be open by ensuring that states are free from coercion and intimidation, inclusive by strengthening cooperation and mutual respect, rules-based and governed by the rule of law, and informed by principles of equity and justice. Hon. Areas pointed out that the survival of smaller nations depends on the collective will to uphold these rules, emphasizing the need to defend the rules-based order to allow nations to prosper, cooperate and live in peace.
