PH to host key meet for Pacific navies

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Navy is set to host the biennial meeting of navies bordering the Pacific region next week.

The 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) will be held on October 26 to 27 online due to the pandemic. This year’s theme is “Effective Ocean Governance for Regional Partnership and Stability,” the Navy said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct. 20).

Twenty members of the WPNS and eight observers, represented by their chiefs of navies or designated representatives, will meet online to discuss and address naval matters of mutual concern. Navy chief Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado will head the entire proceedings.

The Navy said hosting the WPNS demonstrates its commitment to peace and diplomatic measures that strengthen relationships with neighboring and other countries.

“Promoting a peaceful Western Pacific paves the way for the equitable and just use of our oceans, thereby propelling sustainable and inclusive development,” the Navy said.

The WPNS aims to increase cooperation and ability to operate together and also build trust and confidence between navies.

Some countries in the Western Pacific, home to some of the world’s most vital sea lanes for global trade, are involved in territorial disputes which cause tension in the region. Most Asean states, for instance, are located along the coast and depend on their oceans.

The oceans have become crucial in shaping current world affairs and geopolitics.

TSB