PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) West Philippine Sea spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela on Thursday criticized his counterpart in the Chinese Embassy in Manila for using what he described as “crude, gutter-level” language in social media posts.
In a statement, Tarriela said embassy deputy spokesperson Guo Wei has shifted to what he called a “far more aggressive, confrontational, and vocal” stance.
“Mr. Guo Wei, I am beginning to think you are enjoying using the social media platforms here in the Philippines because you do not have such freedom in your country, Tarriela said.
The change, he said, shows a tacit approval from Beijing and reveals China’s “growing annoyance and evident fear that the transparency efforts that the PCG leads are proving increasingly effective.”
“What is clear is that the Philippine government’s steadfast transparency initiatives in the WPS have finally worn down the patience and composure of the Chinese Embassy —particularly since the arrival of its new Ambassador,” he said.
In particular, Tarriela said China Embassy’s explicit mention of his name in “abrasive and revisionist” social media posts is a telling sign of the transparency efforts of the PCG against China’s “illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions.”
“Under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we remain steadfast in our commitment: not one square inch of our territory will be surrendered, and neither will our voice. Surrendering that voice would be far worse,” he said.
Guo earlier called out Tarriela on Facebook for “fallacious remarks on China and the South China Sea” and for having “one, ten, or a hundred” social media “helpers.”
The envoy has also alleged that Tarriela spreads ”twisted, manipulative, and provocative narratives” that push the Philippines into conflict with China.
“Why is he able to act so recklessly without being held accountable? We hope the Philippine side will provide clarification and an explanation.” The embassy said on Friday.
On Monday, a Filipino fishing vessel was harassed by Chinese ships while headed to fishing grounds west of Bajo de Masinloc.
A People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel (PLAN 621) and a China Coast Guard ship (CCGV 23521) went as close as 30 meters to the fishing boat while blaring sirens and blocking the boat’s path at about 16 nautical miles southeast of the shoal.
