Tarriela lambasts China echo chamber groups

Commodore Jay Tarriela yesterday lashed out at some groups claiming that calling out China over its aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea is to foment war with the nuclear superpower.

Tarriela, the Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the National Task Force for the WPS, has been exposing China's bullying in the contested waters, including its use of military-grade lasers and water cannons.

Last month, a boat resupplying Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal was bumped by a China Coast Guard vessel. The boat's PCG escort vessel was also nudged by another Chinese vessel.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Tarriela said the Philippines is just exposing to the world the instances of China violating the Philippines' sovereignty in the WPS.

A 2016 arbitral ruling affirmed the Philippines' entitlement to the WPS, it being within the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

"By keeping our political leaders and countrymen aware of China's violations of international law, we are safeguarding our country from political manipulation and disinformation," Tarriela said.

"Also, by calling out China's bad behavior at sea, we are highlighting which party is responsible for raising tensions and increasing the likelihood of a kinetic conflict," he added.

'Show the world'

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla last week said the Philippines may consider filing a case for international arbitration over China's alleged despoliation of coral reefs in the WPS.

Like Tarriela, Remulla said the Philippines must show the world what China is doing, if only to have other nations censure Beijing.