The workshop graphic is based on the fable which exists in many cultures: It is easy to break one stick, but hard to break a bundle. The underlying message of the fable, and of this workshop, is "stronger together."

Competition in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly sophisticated, requiring countries to harness whole-of-society efforts to protect their interests and enhance resilience. Expanded use of assertive actions underpinned with malign intent also threatens the rules-based order which is the basis of a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific region. The Philippines and Vietnam are two countries heavily exposed to such activities, whether in the maritime, economic, cognitive, or other domains. 

To facilitate both countries in identifying steps to counter these assertive actions, and expanding dialogue under their Strategic Partnership, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) are hosting this workshop in Yokohama, Japan. This workshop provides the Philippines and Vietnam an opportunity for candid discussions about different forms of coercive activity. Through facilitated, interactive discussions in plenary and breakout groups, participants will discuss the challenges facing both countries, explore best practices, and develop policy and operational recommendations to mitigate these challenges. 

Questions to be discussed during the workshop include: What are our shared goals for safeguarding our interests and building resilience? How are coercive tactics evolving across all domains? What form of cooperation is most effective in countering malign, assertive actions? How can Vietnam and the Philippines best address impingement by external actors? What are the roles of various sectors in a whole-of-society approach to building such resilience?