MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to a rules-based international order and the rule of law, during the 61st Munich Security Conference, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated.

Serving as a panelist in the roundtable discussion last Friday, 15 February 2025, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo reiterated the Philippines’ rights when undertaking any kind of activity within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EZZ), amidst the situation in the South China Sea.

“Whenever the Philippines undertakes any kind of activity within our Exclusive Economic Zone, as defined by UNCLOS, we [do so] well within our rights,” Manalo said during the roundtable discussion entitled “Making Waves: Maritime Tensions in the Indo-Pacific.”

He urged other countries to abide by international law and not assert their own laws or their own interpretations, and underscored that the Philippines would remain committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes in the region, including through dialogue and consultation, the DFA said.

The Philippines has been embroiled in wrangles at sea with China in the past two years and the two countries have faced off regularly around disputed features in the South China Sea that fall inside Manila's exclusive economic zone.

The Munich Security Conference, held annually, is a prominent forum for debate and dialogue on international security policy, and attended by Foreign Ministers, Defense Ministers, business leaders, think tanks, and civil society. Secretary Manalo last attended the 59th Munich Security Conference in 2023.

On the sidelines of the conference, Secretary Manalo held several bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Europe, North America, and South America. He also met with business executives and civil society leaders to discuss innovation, growth, and future partnerships.

He was accompanied in Munich by Philippine Ambassador to Germany Irene Susan B. Natividad, the DFA confirmed.