MANILA. The Philippines has embarked on a bold transparency initiative in the South China Sea, challenging Beijing’s dominance in disputed waters and escalating regional tensions, in a calculated move to assert its territorial claims.
The initiative, marked by public disclosures of Chinese actions and enhanced military alliances with Western powers, represents a significant shift in Manila’s strategy under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in June 2022.
Key to this shift was a pivotal meeting in February 2023, where Philippine officials decided to release photos showing China’s use of a military-grade laser against a Philippine ship. “The public deserves to know,” emphasized Eduardo Ano, national security adviser, setting the stage for a campaign aimed at spotlighting Beijing’s aggressive tactics.
“We aim to civilianize and internationalize the dispute,” said National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya, underscoring efforts to garner international support by embedding foreign journalists on missions alongside the Philippine coast guard.
The Philippines’ assertiveness has not gone unnoticed. Analysts point to increased tensions, with incidents like ship ramming and diplomatic protests becoming more frequent. China, which claims most of the South China Sea despite an international tribunal’s 2016 ruling invalidating its claims, has warned against Manila’s actions.
Ian Storey, a security scholar at Singapore’s ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, noted, “China faces limited escalation options without risking triggering the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty.”
Manila’s strategy includes diplomatic offensives to secure international backing, while economic ties with China remain crucial. However, fears of Chinese economic coercion persist, reminiscent of past disputes that saw Philippine exports to China disrupted.
The standoff centers on strategic locations like Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, where Philippine military presence, including the grounded warship BRP Sierra Madre, symbolizes Manila’s sovereignty claims amid Chinese attempts to blockade and harass resupply missions.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela affirmed the effectiveness of Manila’s transparency drive, highlighting continued Chinese reliance on water cannons despite escalating incidents.
“We’re watching this closely,” remarked Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippines’ ambassador to Washington, expressing concern over potential escalation. He stressed Manila’s desire for peaceful resolution while maintaining economic activities with China.
The Philippines’ approach has drawn attention regionally, contrasting with the caution of neighbors like Vietnam and Malaysia in their disputes with Beijing. “The Philippines has carved out a new strategy in standing up to Beijing,” noted an Asian diplomat.
China, in response, has criticized Manila’s tactics, accusing it of manipulating international opinion. Nonetheless, Beijing remains constrained by Manila’s bolstered alliances and international scrutiny.
As tensions simmer, the Philippines remains steadfast in its pursuit of sovereignty, navigating a delicate balance between assertiveness and diplomacy in one of Asia’s most contentious maritime disputes.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
