National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea

17/10/2026

17/10/2026

Public Announcement

Greetings! We wish you well!

The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea ( NYMWPS), a peaceful and transglobal organization that has been advocating for the preservation of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity since 2015, would like to invite you to:

What: The New West Philippine Sea CATCH Season 6: Episode 17, an online talk show for 6 years that is sponsored and hosted by the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea for the purpose of creating public awareness and to educate the Filipino people and the international community on the issues, breaking news and currents events in the West Philippine Sea.

Topic: “From Self-Restraint to Calibrated Self-Defence: Non-Lethal Responses and Credible Deterrence in the West Philippine Sea”

Due to the approaching typhoon today that might cause power outage and wifi connectivity issues where the host is presently located, the October 17, 2026 webinar has been rescheduled on:
When: Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Manila time

Guest Speakers:
Dr. Carlyle A. Thayer, Ph.D.,
Dr. Carlyle A Thayer, Ph.D is an Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. He was educated at Brown University (1967), awarded an M.A. in Southeast Asian Studies from Yale (1971) and a PhD in International Relations from The Australian National University (1977).

Dr. Thayer joined UNSW in 1979 and taught there until his retirement in 2010. The UNSW has a contract with Australia’s Defence Department and Professor Thayer’s career involved professional military education at all levels from The Royal Military College-Duntroon, the Australian Defence Force Academy where he served as Head of the Department of Politics, Australian Command and Staff College, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, and Australia’s senior defence course at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College.

Dr. Thayer was appointed the C.V. Starr Distinguished Visiting Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies at the Johns Hopkins University in Washington in 2005, and the Inaugural Frances M. and Stephen H. Fuller Distinguished Visiting Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Ohio University in 2008. He is currently Director of Thayer Consultancy, a small business registered in Australia that provides political analysis of current regional security issues and other research support to selected clients.

From 2011 until now, Professor Thayer has given more than 180 presentations to international conferences, seminars and workshops either in person or virtually; written more than 2,030 Background Briefs and more than 3,650 media interviews.

Dr. Benjamin Blandin, PhD, in Geopolitics of Paris Catholic University. He is a Paris military academy graduate.

Dr. Blandin is Maritime Security Expert and Research Fellow of the Institute for National Defense and Research Studies (INDRS)
Taipei, TAIWAN

He was the Network coordinator of Yokosuka Council on Asia Pacific Studies (YCAPS) and an Associate researcher and Lecturer at SeaLight Project.

Mr. Blandin was the Project Manager / In-house consulting in strategy and innovation from March 2019 – July 2022 at Airbus Defence and Space (Paris area, France).

He conducted a thorough analysis of all ongoing and future defense projects of the French Navy and the French procurement agency (DGA) in order to refine Airbus Defence and Space’ business strategy.

He finished his Master of Political Science (Geopolitics), obtained with honors at Paris VIII University, (IFG, France), Master of Political Science (geostrategy & defense industry) at Paris II University (ISAD, France).

He has a Summer Academy on International Maritime Law) at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

Mr. Blandin has a Graduate degree in Naval Strategic Studies , Naval Institute (CESM) and a Graduate degree in Maritime Geostrategy (“Session Nationale”) at French War College.

Host: Dr. Celia Lamkin.
Co-Host: CAPT. Carl O. Schuster , USN (Ret)
Captain Carl O. Schuster, USN (Ret.) is a Defense and Security Consultant for issues related to Indo-Pacific affairs and former Director of Operations at US Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA.
He served in the US Navy for 25 years and retired after 24 years of teaching at Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii where he taught Diplomacy and Military Science Program.

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4GEn0Q15Tnyr32Vgm781rg

Live-streaming of this event will be at the official page of NYMWPS .

We are looking forward to see you soon.
Please share as far far and wide to your friends, networks and colleagues.
Thank you very much and kindest regards.

Sincerely,
Dr. Celia Lamkin
Global Chairperson and Founder
National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea ( NYMWPS)
Executive Producer/ Director/Writer/Host, “The New West Philippine Sea CATCH” and NYMWPS Family

17/10/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF SUPPORT

NATIONAL YOUTH MOVEMENT FOR THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA (NYMWPS)

NYMWPS STRONGLY SUPPORTS PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR. IN DEFENDING PHILIPPINE SOVEREIGNTY AND DEMANDING DIPLOMATIC ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR

October 17, 2026

The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS) expresses its strong and unequivocal support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his decision to seek an explanation from Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan following the Ambassador’s alarming and undiplomatic remarks suggesting that China could “easily win” a military conflict against the Philippines.

We commend President Marcos for his firm, measured, and principled response to statements that may reasonably be interpreted as an intimidation tactic and a threat against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security of the Republic of the Philippines.

President Marcos rightly observed:

“It sounds very much to me like a threat, and it is not a very diplomatic statement to be made.”

NYMWPS firmly believes that no foreign ambassador should use the prospect of military superiority or armed conflict to intimidate the Filipino people or undermine the dignity and independence of our nation.

1. FULL SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT MARCOS’ DIPLOMATIC ACTION

NYMWPS fully supports President Marcos’ intention to summon Ambassador Jing Quan to clarify his remarks and explain the Chinese government’s position.

Diplomacy must be founded on mutual respect, sovereign equality, peaceful engagement, and adherence to international law—not threats, coercion, or assertions of military superiority.

We believe the President’s response demonstrates responsible leadership, national dignity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting Philippine sovereignty while preserving peaceful diplomatic relations.

2. THREATS OF FORCE HAVE NO PLACE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

NYMWPS reminds the Chinese Ambassador that Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

Regardless of differences in military capabilities, no country has the right to intimidate another sovereign nation.

Military strength does not confer legal entitlement, and superior military power does not justify coercion or disregard for international law.

The Philippines is a sovereign and independent nation whose rights must be respected regardless of its size or military strength.

3. THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA MUST BE GOVERNED BY INTERNATIONAL LAW, NOT MILITARY POWER

NYMWPS reiterates its unwavering support for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the July 12, 2016 Arbitral Award, which rejected China’s claims to historic rights over resources within the nine-dash line insofar as they exceed the maritime entitlements permitted under UNCLOS.

The Arbitral Award is final and binding on the Philippines and China under UNCLOS.

We call upon China to respect the Philippines’ lawful maritime entitlements and sovereign rights, particularly those concerning our Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea.

Our Filipino fishermen must be allowed to pursue their livelihoods peacefully, safely, and without harassment, intimidation, or interference.

4. THE FILIPINO PEOPLE SEEK PEACE, NOT WAR

The Filipino people seek peace, not war. We advocate diplomacy, not confrontation. But peace must never be confused with submission, and restraint must never be mistaken for weakness.

The Philippines has consistently pursued peaceful and lawful means to address maritime disputes. Such commitment to peace must never be exploited as an opportunity for intimidation.

We reject any suggestion that Filipinos should consider themselves fortunate simply because a more powerful neighboring country chooses not to use military force against them.

Peace is not a favor granted by a powerful nation. It is a fundamental obligation of all states under international law.

5. OUR CALL TO THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AND ITS AMBASSADOR

NYMWPS respectfully but firmly calls upon the Chinese government and Ambassador Jing Quan to:

2. Provide a clear and satisfactory explanation of the Ambassador’s remarks concerning the possible use of military force against the Philippines.
4. Issue an appropriate diplomatic apology for statements that may reasonably be perceived as threatening or intimidating the Filipino people.
6. Reaffirm China’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution and the prohibition against the threat or use of force under the United Nations Charter.
8. Respect Philippine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sovereign rights in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
10. Refrain from rhetoric or actions that heighten tensions, undermine mutual respect, or endanger peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

6. NYMWPS STANDS WITH THE PRESIDENT AND THE FILIPINO PEOPLE

NYMWPS stands firmly behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in asserting the dignity of the Philippine Republic and protecting our national interests through principled diplomacy and international law.

We call upon Filipino youth, educators, fishermen, civil society organizations, and all patriotic Filipinos to remain united, vigilant, and steadfast in defending our country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.

We likewise urge the international community to uphold the rules-based international order and reject threats, coercion, and intimidation in resolving disputes among nations.

Our sovereignty is not negotiable. Our sovereign rights are not privileges granted by another country. Our national dignity must never be compromised by threats of military force.

The Philippines seeks friendship and peaceful cooperation with all nations, including China, but such friendship must be founded on equality, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.

NYMWPS stands with President Marcos. We stand with our Filipino fishermen.
We stand with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
We stand with the Filipino people.
We stand for peace, justice, sovereignty, and the rule of law.

OUR SEAS. OUR RIGHTS. OUR FUTURE.

“The victory of our West Philippine Sea is the victory of every Filipino.”

DR. CELIA LAMKIN
Founder and Global Chairperson
National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS)
and NYMWPS Family

Email: [email protected]
Facebook:

16/10/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH MOVEMENT FOR THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA (NYMWPS)

NYMWPS STRONGLY CONDEMNS CHINESE AMBASSADOR JING QUAN’S THREATENING AND ARROGANT REMARKS AGAINST THE PHILIPPINES

October 16, 2026

The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS) strongly condemns the reported statements of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan on October 15, 2026, claiming that China could “easily win” a military conflict if it chose to use force and that the Philippines should “feel fortunate enough that you have a neighbor like China in this region.”

Such statements are arrogant, intimidating, diplomatically irresponsible, and utterly unacceptable.

These remarks are unbecoming of an ambassador whose fundamental responsibility is to promote peaceful relations, mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation between sovereign nations—not to intimidate the country and people to which he is accredited.

THE PHILIPPINES IS A SOVEREIGN NATION, NOT A SUBORDINATE STATE OF CHINA.

The Filipino people do not need to feel fortunate or grateful for having a powerful neighbor that invokes its military superiority over our West Philippine Sea and other Philippine territories.
Genuine friendship between nations is demonstrated through respect for sovereignty, adherence to international law, peaceful diplomacy, and the rejection of threats and coercion.

Military might does not confer legal rights over another nation’s territory or maritime entitlements. Neither superior military capability nor economic power gives any country the authority to threaten, intimidate, or dictate the future of another sovereign state.

The NYMWPS firmly reiterates that the Philippines has legitimate sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The July 12, 2016, Arbitral Award, rendered under UNCLOS, is final and legally binding upon the Philippines and China. The Tribunal rejected China’s claims to historic rights to resources within the nine-dash line insofar as those claims exceed the maritime entitlements permitted by UNCLOS.

China’s refusal to recognize the Award does not diminish its legal force.

We remind the Chinese Ambassador that Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. International disputes must be resolved through peaceful means, consistent with international law.

The Filipino people seek peace, not war. We advocate diplomacy, not confrontation. But peace must never be confused with submission, and restraint must never be mistaken for weakness.

THE PHILIPPINES WILL NOT BE INTIMIDATED INTO SURRENDERING ITS SOVEREIGNTY, SOVEREIGN RIGHTS, NATIONAL DIGNITY, OR THE FUTURE OF ITS PEOPLE.

The NYMWPS therefore calls for:

1. A call for stronger diplomatic action following the Department of Foreign Affairs’ official rebuke, including a formal explanation and public apology from the Chinese Ambassador.

2. A public retraction and apology from Ambassador Jing Quan recognizing their intimidating and disrespectful implications toward the Filipino people.
3. Full respect for international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award, and an end to coercive activities directed against Philippine vessels, fishermen, and personnel in the West Philippine Sea.
4. Stronger national unity and vigilance among Filipinos, particularly the youth, in defending Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, territorial integrity, and national dignity through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means.
5. Continued international cooperation with nations committed to freedom of navigation, peaceful settlement of disputes, maritime security, and a rules-based international order.

We also express our unwavering solidarity with our Filipino fishermen, Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and all civilian and uniformed personnel who courageously protect our country’s maritime rights and national interests.

The NYMWPS emphasizes that our objection is directed against threatening statements and coercive government policies, not against the Chinese people. We believe that the peoples of the Philippines and China deserve peaceful, respectful, and mutually beneficial relations.

TO AMBASSADOR JING QUAN AND THE GOVERNMENT OF CHINA:

The Philippines is not seeking conflict with China. But no nation, regardless of its military strength, has the right to demand submission from the Filipino people.

Respect our sovereignty. Respect our sovereign rights. Respect international law. Respect the dignity of the Filipino nation.

We choose peace, but never surrender.

We stand for diplomacy, but never intimidation.

We defend our rights, not through aggression, but through courage, unity, and the rule of law.

The West Philippine Sea is not a prize to be claimed through military threats. It is a vital part of the Philippines’ maritime heritage, national security, food security, economic future, and the rights and aspirations of generations of Filipinos.

OUR SEAS. OUR RIGHTS. OUR FUTURE.

DEFEND OUR WEST PHILIPPINE SEA!
PRESERVE OUR SOVEREIGNTY!
ASSERT OUR SOVEREIGN RIGHTS!

THE VICTORY OF OUR WEST PHILIPPINE SEA IS THE VICTORY OF EVERY FILIPINO.

DR. CELIA LAMKIN
Founder and Global Chairperson
National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea (NYMWPS)

Email: [email protected]
Facebook:

16/10/2026

BREAKING: President Bongbong Marcos to summon Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan over his statement that if China uses force, they could easily win. | via Ivan Mayrina/GMA News

Details soon on gmanetwork.com/news.

14/10/2026

Thank you very much Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and US Navy!

14/10/2026

‘TROUBLEMAKER’ SA SOUTHEAST ASIA?

Pinalagan ni Defense Sec. Gibo Teodoro ang pagtawag ni Vice Pres. Sara Duterte sa Pilipinas bilang “troublemaker” o gumagawa ng gulo sa Southeast Asia.

Iginiit ng kalihim na pinoprotektahan at ipinaglalaban lamang ng mga sundalo ng Pilipinas ang ating maritime rights sa West Philippine Sea.

Giit ni Teodoro, ang China ang totoong troublemaker sa rehiyon.

14/10/2026

Greetings! We wish you well!

The National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea ( NYMWPS), a peaceful and transglobal organization that has been advocating for the preservation of Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity since 2015, would like to invite you to:

What: The New West Philippine Sea CATCH Season 6: Episode 17, an online talk show for 6 years that is sponsored and hosted by the National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea for the purpose of creating public awareness and to educate the Filipino people and the international community on the issues, breaking news and currents events in the West Philippine Sea.

Topic: “From Self-Restraint to Calibrated Self-Defence: Non-Lethal Responses and Credible Deterrence in the West Philippine Sea”

When: Saturday | October 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Manila time

Guest Speakers:
Dr. Carlyle A. Thayer, Ph.D.,
Dr. Carlyle A Thayer, Ph.D is an Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. He was educated at Brown University (1967), awarded an M.A. in Southeast Asian Studies from Yale (1971) and a PhD in International Relations from The Australian National University (1977).

Dr. Thayer joined UNSW in 1979 and taught there until his retirement in 2010. The UNSW has a contract with Australia’s Defence Department and Professor Thayer’s career involved professional military education at all levels from The Royal Military College-Duntroon, the Australian Defence Force Academy where he served as Head of the Department of Politics, Australian Command and Staff College, Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Hawaii, and Australia’s senior defence course at the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College.

Dr. Thayer was appointed the C.V. Starr Distinguished Visiting Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at the School of Advanced International Studies at the Johns Hopkins University in Washington in 2005, and the Inaugural Frances M. and Stephen H. Fuller Distinguished Visiting Professor of Southeast Asian Studies at Ohio University in 2008. He is currently Director of Thayer Consultancy, a small business registered in Australia that provides political analysis of current regional security issues and other research support to selected clients.

From 2011 until now, Professor Thayer has given more than 180 presentations to international conferences, seminars and workshops either in person or virtually; written more than 2,030 Background Briefs and more than 3,650 media interviews.

Dr. Benjamin Blandin, PhD, in Geopolitics of Paris Catholic University. He is a Paris military academy graduate.

Dr. Blandin is Maritime Security Expert and Research Fellow of the Institute for National Defense and Research Studies (INDRS)
Taipei, TAIWAN

He was the Network coordinator of Yokosuka Council on Asia Pacific Studies (YCAPS) and an Associate researcher and Lecturer at SeaLight Project.

Mr. Blandin was the Project Manager / In-house consulting in strategy and innovation from March 2019 – July 2022 at Airbus Defence and Space (Paris area, France).

He conducted a thorough analysis of all ongoing and future defense projects of the French Navy and the French procurement agency (DGA) in order to refine Airbus Defence and Space’ business strategy.

He finished his Master of Political Science (Geopolitics), obtained with honors at Paris VIII University, (IFG, France), Master of Political Science (geostrategy & defense industry) at Paris II University (ISAD, France).

He has a Summer Academy on International Maritime Law) at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

Mr. Blandin has a Graduate degree in Naval Strategic Studies , Naval Institute (CESM) and a Graduate degree in Maritime Geostrategy (“Session Nationale”) at French War College.

Host: Dr. Celia Lamkin.
Co-Host: CAPT. Carl O. Schuster , USN (Ret)
Captain Carl O. Schuster, USN (Ret.) is a Defense and Security Consultant for issues related to Indo-Pacific affairs and former Director of Operations at US Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, USA.
He served in the US Navy for 25 years and retired after 24 years of teaching at Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, Hawaii where he taught Diplomacy and Military Science Program.

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4GEn0Q15Tnyr32Vgm781rg

Live-streaming of this event will be at the official page of NYMWPS .

We are looking forward to see you soon.
Please share as far far and wide to your friends, networks and colleagues.
Thank you very much and kindest regards.

Sincerely,
Dr. Celia Lamkin
Global Chairperson and Founder
National Youth Movement for the West Philippine Sea ( NYMWPS)
Executive Producer/ Director/Writer/Host, “The New West Philippine Sea CATCH” and NYMWPS Family

11/10/2026