Secretary for Foreign Affairs Highlights Economic Impact of South China Sea Disputes at a Lecture at Sapienza University in Rome

Philippine Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (center), with Philippine Ambassador Neal Imperial (third from left) with the discussants (L-R): Dr. Alessandro Vagnini, Dr. Stefano Pelaggi, Dr. Donatella Strangio, Dr. Gabriele Natalizia, Dr. Lorenzo Termine  during  the  roundtable discussion at Sapienza University

ROME 06 December 2024 – Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo delivered a lecture on the economic impact of the South China Sea disputes at Sapienza University in Rome. The event was co-hosted by the Faculty of Economics of Sapienza University in Rome, the think-tank Centro Studi Geopolitica, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Rome. The discussants included Dr. Donatella Strangio, Professor and Director of the Faculty of Economics; Dr. Alessandro Vagnini and Dr. Gabriele Natalizia, Professors of the Department of Political Science; Dr. Lorenzo Termine, Vice President of Centro Studi Geopolitica; and Dr. Stefano Pelaggi, Research Fellow at Sapienza University.

In his remarks, Secretary Manalo emphasized the shared maritime heritage of the Philippines and Italy and the critical role of the seas in the history and economies of both countries. He highlighted the Philippines’ vast marine biodiversity, the importance of unimpeded access to the sea for subsistence fishermen, and the need to preserve marine resources for future generations.

The Secretary also expressed serious concern over China’s excessive maritime claims, including the contentious “ten-dash line” claim and China’s aggressive actions, which undermine the rules-based international order established by the the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Award. He noted that these activities threaten global trade, regional stability, and marine biodiversity, as well as the livelihoods of Filipinos.

The roundtable featured diverse perspectives highlighting the critical economic and strategic importance of the South China Sea. The discussants underscored its significance as a vital maritime trade route and a key node for global economic stability. They pointed out the need for diplomacy and cooperation to resolve disputes, adherence to international law, and the value of collaboration between Italy and the Philippines in defense, trade, and naval activities. They also discussed Italy’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific, driven by strategic, industrial, and diplomatic interests.

Counsellor Valentine Muisan from Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was present during the roundtable discussion, reaffirmed Italy’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific, its commitment to the international rules-based order and its appreciation for the Philippines’ diplomatic approach to peace.

Secretary Manalo welcomed Italy’s efforts in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific that is consistent with UNCLOS. He stressed the importance of diplomacy in resolving disputes to prevent global repercussions from potential conflicts. He shared that “the Philippines, for its part, chooses diplomacy over aggression".

The event gathered over 70 participants, including academics, China/Taiwan scholars, diplomats, business leaders, and students, fostering discussions on this critical global issue. END

Secretary Enrique Manalo delivers his remarks during the roundtable discussion at Sapienza University

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