Manila Dialogue Presentation Report: The Rule of Law and the Functions and Duties of Law Enforcement Agencies

◆Research Director Atsuko Kanehara participated in the 2nd Manila Dialogue, held on 5–7 November 2025 in Manila, The Philippines.

The Manila Dialogue is held to advance the region’s shared interests in a free, open, and rules-based maritime order.

Kanehara was among the three discussants for the Summary Session (Plenary Session 7: Takeaways - Fireside Chat on The South China Sea and Perspectives on Defending the Rules-based Order).

The gist of her interventions in the Manila Dialogue, and her report particularly emphasizing the significance of the Manila Dialogue in that it precisely illuminates the function and duties of law enforcement organs (coast guards) for maritime security and maintenance of maritime order, are as follows.

◆The Related Works by Research Director Atsuko Kanehara

• “The Protection of Submarine Cables and Pipelines in Armed Conflict in the Indo-Pacific,” in D. Guilfoyle and J. Maddocks eds, Armed Conflict and International Law in the Indo-Pacific Region, Oxford University Press, (2025), Chapter 8, forthcoming.
• “Factors Producing “Grey Zones” in Maritime Security,” 『國際海洋資訊』International Ocean Information Journal published by the Ocean Affairs Council of Taiwan (Summer, 2025), pp. 107-112
• “The Houthi Rebels’ Attack against Japan-Related Vessel in the Red Sea: An Idea of ‘the Right to Protect Uses of Sea’”
  https://cigs.canon/en/article/20241224_8535.html
• “Japan’s Request of Extradition of the Founder of Sea Shepherd: Recovery and Maintenance of the Common Interests of International Society and the Inherent Interests of Japan, a Sovereign State,” https://cigs.canon/en/article/20240826_8292.html
• “Double Aspects of Being a Sovereign State: Positive and Passive Aspects,” https://cigs.canon/en/article/20240611_8159.html
• “How To Ensure The Safety Of The Japan Coast Guard While Maintaining Its Nature As A Police Organ When It Conducts Missions In Collaboration With The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Under The Control Guidelines,” Japan Review, Vol. 6, No. 2 (2024), pp. 47-79

Research Director Kanehara is Member of Compass Voice - External Expert Network of the Japan Coast Guard