MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines brought the realities of the South China Sea (SCS) to Central Europe in a forum to explain why a maritime dispute thousands of miles away poses a direct threat to economic stability of the Czech Republic. Philippine Ambassador to Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez highlighted the Philippines’ 2016 legal victory against China. And if conflict blocks these shipping lanes, the supply of critical goods – like the semiconductors needed for the Czech automotive industry – could be cut off. David Gardas, an analyst from the Prague-based think tank Project Sinopsis, agreed and explained that this is not just an Asian problem. The presentations and open discussion underscored strong parallels between the Philippines’ principled legal position under UNCLOS and the commitment of the Czech Republic and other like-minded partners to international law.

Source: Philippine Star December 24, 2025 16:18 UTC