14 November 2023, CANBERRA – The Australian National University launched the Philippines Institute on 10 November featuring keynote remarks of retired Justice Antonio Carpio on Rule of Law in the South China Sea. Justice Carpio served as Senior Associate Justice in the Supreme Court of the Philippines.

Justice Carpio discussed the case initiated by the Philippines in the Permanent Court of Arbitration and how countries are now enforcing the South China Sea Arbitration Award of 2016 including Australia. He explained the importance of the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in particular in the resolution of disputes between states. Justice Carpio underscored the critical need for governments to uphold the rule of law noting that what is at stake in the South China Sea dispute is not only the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines but more importantly, the preservation of UNCLOS as the constitution of the seas that ensures peace and stability in all the oceans of the world.

The launch was led by Professor Helen Sullivan, Dean of the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary Michelle Chan and Ambassador of the Philippines to Australia Hellen De La Vega. The launch of the Institute was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his visit to Manila on 8 September 2023 where he and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr signed the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership of the two countries.

In her remarks, Ambassador De La Vega recognized the important role of the Philippines Institute to promote Philippines-related research and expertise among ANU scholars and strengthen linkages between academic groups and the policy community. Further information on the Philippines Institute is available at https://philippinesinstitute.anu.edu.au/. -END-