PCG Spokesperson Refuses to Apologize After Chinese Embassy Protest
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) West Philippine Sea spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela stood his ground this week, rejecting demands from the Chinese Embassy in Manila to apologize for posting content on social media related to Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea. Beijing had protested Tarriela’s posts, which it claimed “attacked and smeared Chinese leaders,” and lodged formal representations with Malacañang, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the PCG.
At a press forum, Tarriela emphasized that there is no authority for the Chinese Embassy to demand an explanation from him in his official capacity. He reiterated that his posts were based on factual accounts supported by video evidence, photographs, official PCG reports, and independent observations. Tarriela described his role as one of transparent communication aligned with the Philippine government’s commitment to a rules-based order and international law.
In a related statement, he also characterized the embassy’s objections to those reports as interference in internal affairs, citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and underlining that true diplomatic duties do not extend to pressuring another country over official statements.
Chinese Embassy’s Diplomacy Clash Highlights Tensions Over Narrative
The diplomatic exchange underscores larger strategic disagreements between Manila and Beijing over how developments in the West Philippine Sea are framed publicly. While the Chinese Embassy accused Tarriela of violating China’s “political dignity” and harming mutual trust and cooperation, the Philippine official countered that these complaints illustrate Beijing’s discomfort with factual reporting on incidents involving harassment of Filipino vessels.
Tarriela insisted that China should be accountable for explaining well-documented actions by its maritime forces — including collisions, dangerous maneuvers, and the use of water cannons against Philippine and civilian vessels — and not seek to silence Philippine officials who report on these events.