China's Summon of PH Ambassador Proves Transparency Initiative Works – Tarriela
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, has asserted that China's recent summon of Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz serves as clear evidence that the government's transparency initiative is effectively functioning. This development follows accusations from China that Tarriela engaged in a smear campaign against the country.
Caricature Controversy and Diplomatic Protest
The diplomatic tension stems from Tarriela's use of caricatures depicting Chinese President Xi Jinping during a presentation related to China's activities in the disputed waters. In response, China filed a formal diplomatic protest against Tarriela, alleging that his actions constituted a deliberate effort to tarnish China's image on the international stage.
However, Tarriela firmly countered these claims, emphasizing that the transparency efforts in the West Philippine Sea are not intended as provocation. Instead, he described them as a necessary measure to expose what he termed the bully aggressor and highlight the true victim in the ongoing maritime disputes.
Transparency as a Strategic Tool
Tarriela further elaborated that China appears to fear an informed global community more than it respects international law. He explained that the PCG launched this initiative specifically to publicize China's activities in the West Philippine Sea, aiming to bring greater international scrutiny to the situation.
This approach, according to Tarriela, is crucial for maintaining accountability and ensuring that the facts are not obscured by misinformation or unilateral narratives.
Proposed Solutions to Ease Tensions
In light of the escalating tensions, Tarriela recommended several steps for China to take if it wishes to mitigate the negative impact of the current standoff. His recommendations include:
- Respecting the 2016 arbitral award, which ruled in favor of the Philippines on key maritime issues.
- Withdrawing from illegally occupied islands in the region.
- Ceasing harassment of Filipino fishermen operating in the West Philippine Sea.
Tarriela stressed that these actions would demonstrate China's commitment to peaceful resolution and adherence to established international norms, potentially de-escalating the situation and fostering a more stable environment in the contested waters.
