Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore spokesperson Jay Tarriela has called out China for creating a script to justify its provocations in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the waters within the Philippines’ 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, not the whole South China Sea.
In recent months, Chinese naval and coast guard forces have increasingly clashed with the Philippines over disputed territories in the South China Sea, an area Beijing claims almost entirely, despite an international ruling invalidating those claims.
Tarriela accused Beijing of using this narrative to frame Filipino fishing boats and PCG vessels as threats to China’s sovereignty.
“If they claim that it is a scripted scenario to organize the Filipino fishing boats, I wonder why they always fall into the plot and continue to insist on playing the villain,” Tarriela said in a post on his X account.
His statement came in response to Chinese state media Global Times, which quoted Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense.
Zhang alleged: “The Philippine side repeatedly organized its coast guard vessels and fishing boats to violate China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, while playing victim to elicit sympathy from and cause confusion in the international community.”
In his post, Tarriela urged China to abide by international law rather than harass Filipino fishermen working within the country’s exclusive economic zone. He emphasized the need to resolve disputes without aggression.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año dismissed China’s criticism of the Philippines’ plan to acquire the U.S.-made Typhon mid-range missile system. He defended the move, highlighting the Philippines’ sovereign right to strengthen its defense.
“As a sovereign nation, the Philippines has the right to determine the most appropriate measures to safeguard its security and the well-being of its people,” Año said.
“Just like any other nation, the procurement of defense systems, including the Typhon missile launcher, is a step toward strengthening our deterrence capabilities and ensuring that we are prepared to defend our territory when required,” he added.
The Typhon missile system, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers, is seen as vital for the country’s coastal defense.
Año underscored its role in enhancing the Philippines’ deterrence capabilities and ensuring readiness to defend against any threats to its sovereignty.
He said: “Recent comments suggesting that our efforts to enhance our defense and deterrence capabilities – specifically the deployment of the Typhon missile system – are part of a broader arms race or pose a threat to the region or any country are unfounded and are pure speculation.”
“Our actions are meant to ensure peace and stability in the region, and we will never undermine the security of any nation,” Año added. Without naming China, he urged other nations to respect the Philippines’ decisions on defense and security.
In his New Year’s Day message, Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. shared his hopes for a brighter future for the country in 2025.
“With grateful anticipation, we look forward to 2025 and the promising future of the Philippines,” Teodoro said.
Reflecting on 2024, he acknowledged the challenges the nation faced, from natural disasters to sovereignty disputes, and the victories achieved through resilience and unity.
Teodoro praised the efforts of the country’s defense forces, first responders, and the Filipino people, highlighting their role in overcoming these trials. He also pointed to the importance of strong partnerships and the continued modernization of the armed forces.
Teodoro expressed his vision of a Philippines that is “a secure, climate-resilient, archipelagic nation poised to be a strategic global player, and a stable platform for true national development and progress.”
The Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment to defending its sovereignty, advancing defense modernization, and promoting peace and cooperation in the region.
Photo credit: National Press Club of Australia. Commodore Jay Tarriela, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for West Philippine Sea.
