The 7th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference: "Security at Sea"

Manilla, Philippines

The Japan Institute of International Affairs (JIIA), the Stockton Center for International Law (SCIL) at the U.S. Naval War College (NWC), the University of the Philippines College of Law (UP Law), the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea (UP IMLOS), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Command and Staff College (JMSDF CSC), and others co-hosted the 7th Annual Alexander C. Cushing International Law Conference: "Security at Sea" in Manila, Philippines from May 13 to 14.

The conference annually gathers esteemed scholars and practitioners of international law and maritime law and policy from across the globe. They convene to analyze and discuss issues related to international law and maritime security. The conference aims to educate participants, foster mutual understanding among nations, and contribute to upholding the rule of law in the oceans. This year's conference saw participation from speakers representing over 30 institutions. The discussions primarily focused on security issues in the South and East China Seas, where tensions among nations are escalating due to China's maritime expansion. Key topics included gray-zone operations, protection of submarine cables, security cooperation, deep-sea mining, unmanned autonomous surface vessels, and illegal fishing. Participants engaged in lively discussions, clarifying issues related to international laws.

JIIA facilitated presentations by Mr. Tomoyuki Yoshida, Chief-Executive Director of JIIA, Mr. Hideshi Tokuchi, President of the Research Institute for Peace and Security, Mr. Katsuya Yamamoto, Director/Senior Research Fellow, Strategy and Deterrence Program, and Ms. Cleo Paskal, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) focusing on the Indo Pacific region.