MANILA, Philippines– U.S. Indo-Pacific Command concluded its 35th annual International Military Law and Operations Conference (MILOPS 24) in Manila, Philippines on Aug. 30, 2024.
MILOPS 24 provided a unique opportunity for legal professionals, academics, and international stakeholders to build legal consensus on critical legal challenges in the Indo-Pacific region – including how to safeguard freedom of navigation and commerce while protecting the sovereign rights of all nations.
More than 200 participants from 29 countries traveled to the four-day event, which focused on increasing and enhancing cooperation, partnering to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity and enhancing maritime domain awareness.
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, addressed the MILOPS 24 participants, providing his assessment of current threats to the rules-based order. He emphasized the role of legal experts as critical enablers for regional commanders to enhance legitimacy of activities and employ legal diplomacy to expose and oppose malign actors.
“There's no better time and no better place for MILOPS than right here in Manila. The Philippines has been a global leader in responding to these destabilizing actions with a sincere desire for peaceful resolutions of disputes anchored in diplomacy and in accordance with our governing international framework,” Paparo said. “Amidst challenging global tides, an important ballast stabilizes our common vessel, our open, inclusive and rules based international order that is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and justice.”
Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, also spoke at the conference and underscored the value of cooperation and partnership.
“It is important to highlight the significance of our mutual engagements in regional and multilateral fora, which amplify the voices of both large and small nations alike. By uniting and working together under the common principles of equity, justice, and the rule of law, we can ensure peace and prosperity for future generations,” Brawner said.
Throughout the week, participants reaffirmed their commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that it applies equally to all nations, regardless of size or economic strength. The conference addressed serious challenges, such as excessive maritime claims, restrictions on freedom of navigation and violations of territorial sovereignty.
MILOPS contributes to a free and open Indo-Pacific by fostering legal cooperation and promoting adherence to international law through renewed determination to defend sovereignty and uphold the principles that underpin regional security.