A high-level forum has brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics and business leaders from across the region to address the security, political and economic challenges shaping the Asia-Pacific. Against a backdrop of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, the 14th Manila Forum focused on efforts to promote regional peace and stability. The event, co-organized by the Association for Philippines-China Understanding and the Chinese Embassy in Manila, emphasized dialogue as a key pathway to easing friction and enhancing cooperation. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian highlighted China's Global Governance Initiative (GGI), describing it as a framework grounded in fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for sovereignty amid shifting global dynamics. "The GGI rests on five core principles, that is upholding sovereign equality, abiding by international law, practicing multilaterialism, embracing a people-centered approach and focusing on concrete actions," said Huang. Victor Gao, vice president of the Center for China and Globalization, urged the Philippines to prioritize development to match ASEAN neighbors and warned it risks being left behind. He also dismissed Manila’s reliance on the 2016 arbitral ruling, calling it "a violation of the rule of law" since China never consented to the process. "While I'm pained to see the confrontation between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, I also feel blessed that they are only using water cannons against each other. But I hope we will only use water cannons and will not escalate, and we will never use real ammunition between China and the Philippines," said Victor Gao. But former Philippine national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. defended the arbitral ruling, saying the country must practice assertive restraint by upholding it while balancing firmness with diplomacy. "It is a strategy rooted in legal legitimacy, moral ascendancy and strategic discipline, demonstrating that resolve and restraint can co-exist in the pursuit of regional peace and stability," he said. Despite differing viewpoints, both sides agreed there are many areas in the bilateral relationship where the two countries can focus. With territorial disputes unresolved and tensions rising in the South China Sea, they push for diplomacy to build resilience, unity and lasting peace. The video shows: Manila, Philippines - Sept 17, 2025 1. Various of 14th Manila Forum in progress 2. Chinese Ambassador to Philippines Huang Xilian speaking at forum 3. SOUNDBITE (English) Huang Xilian, Chinese Ambassador to Philippines: "The GGI rests on five core principles, that is upholding sovereign equality, abiding by international law, practicing multilaterialism, embracing a people-centered approach and focusing on concrete actions." 4. Victor Gao, vice president of Center for China and Globalization speaking at forum 5. SOUNDBITE (English) Victor Gao, vice president, Center for China and Globalization (partially overlaid with shot 6): "While I'm pained to see the confrontation between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, I also feel blessed that they are only using water cannons against each other. But I hope we will only use water cannons and will not escalate, and we will never use real ammunition between China and the Philippines." ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 6. Gao speaking ++SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE++ 7. Various of former Philippine National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. walking to stage; speaking 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Hermogenes Esperon Jr., former Philippine National Security Adviser: "It is a strategy rooted in legal legitimacy, moral ascendancy and strategic discipline, demonstrating that resolve and restraint can co-exist in the pursuit of regional peace and stability." 9. Forum in progress [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]