The Philippine coast guard has finally decided to take a stand against China’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. By publicizing these incidents, Manila’s coast guard hopes to counter China’s propaganda and shine a light on Beijing’s repeated violations of international law. This move has garnered international condemnation and put China under the spotlight.
The Philippine coast guard has stepped up its patrols in the contested waters and has made an effort to document and publicize China’s assertive behavior in the strategic waterway. One such incident occurred on February 6 when a Chinese coast guard ship aimed a military-grade laser at a Philippine patrol boat, blinding some of its crew members. Such blatant and aggressive actions by China cannot be tolerated, and it is high time that the international community takes a firm stand against China’s belligerence in the region.
The incident in question has caused widespread alarm not only in the Philippines but also in the United States and other Western countries. The coast guard’s decision to protest and release a video of the incident is a courageous move that deserves recognition. However, it is not enough to simply protest and raise awareness; action needs to be taken to prevent China from continuing its aggressive behavior.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s shift in focus from internal threats to external defense is a clear indication of the severity of the situation in the South China Sea. China’s territorial disputes in the region have been simmering for far too long, and it is high time that the international community takes a firm stand against China’s expansionist agenda.
Coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela’s emphasis on exposing China’s “gray zone” activities in the West Philippine Sea is crucial. China’s use of ostensibly civilian vessels to perform military tasks is a clear violation of international law and must be addressed. It is time for the international community to hold China accountable for its actions and prevent it from continuing its aggressive behavior in the region.
During a recent Manila forum discussing China’s “gray zone” operations in the disputed sea, coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela referred to the South China Sea close to the Philippines’ western coast using its
against China’s aggression in the region.
By publicizing China’s aggressive behavior, the Philippine coast guard is playing an essential role in holding China accountable for its actions. Tarriela noted that the coast guard’s efforts have allowed like-minded states to express their condemnation and reproach, which has put Beijing in the spotlight. China’s actions in the shadows are finally being checked, forcing them to either come out in the open or publicly lie.
Manila’s outrage over the laser-pointing incident prompted China, including its ambassador to Manila, to explain its position when asked about the incident at news conferences. While this may seem like a positive development, it is clear that China’s explanations cannot be trusted, and its actions in the region continue to pose a significant threat to peace and stability. It is essential that the international community remains
vigilant and holds China accountable for its belligerent behavior in the region.
Chinese officials have once again resorted to false claims in response to the Philippine coast guard’s report on China’s aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, China has alleged that the Philippine patrol vessel trespassed into Chinese territory and that the Chinese coast guard acted “professionally and with restraint” by using a harmless laser to track the Philippine boat’s movement. Such statements are typical of China’s attempts to whitewash its aggressive behavior in the region.
Coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela is right in emphasizing the need to make public unedited videos and photographs of China’s actions in the South China Sea to counter Chinese propaganda. The U.S. State Department’s condemnation of China’s dangerous operational behavior is welcome, but more needs to be done to hold China accountable for its actions in the region. The Philippines, as a treaty ally of the U.S., must be defended if its forces, aircraft, and ships come under attack in the South China Sea. It is clear that China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea pose a significant threat to regional peace and stability. Despite attempts by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his successor, Marcos Jr., to maintain friendly relations with Beijing, tensions have persisted, leading to a strengthening of the military alliance between the Philippines and the United States. As long as China continues to engage in belligerent behavior in the region, the international community must remain vigilant and hold China accountable for its actions.
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