This week saw the Philippines confronting Beijing’s growing propaganda influence online, as pro-China vloggers echo state narratives on the West Philippine Sea. Meanwhile, Malaysia faced Chinese incursions eerily similar to Manila’s past ordeals, prompting regional concern. As tensions simmer, Beijing promoted “marine science diplomacy” as a calming alternative—raising eyebrows in skeptical capitals.
Fear, Blame, and Distraction: How Pro-China Vloggers Echo Beijing’s Line in the West Philippine Sea
A recent investigative report exposes a growing wave of Filipino vloggers subtly amplifying Beijing’s narratives, casting doubt on Philippine sovereignty and undermining government positions. This coordinated messaging aligns closely with China’s disinformation tactics, weaponizing public opinion through YouTube and social media.
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Philippines to China: “We Need No Permission” to Operate in Our Own Waters
In a strong diplomatic statement, the Philippine government rebuffed China’s implied authority over maritime research and patrols, asserting that no permission is needed from Beijing to operate in the West Philippine Sea. The declaration comes amid rising online narratives claiming joint ownership of the disputed waters.
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China’s Marine Science Diplomacy: Calming Tool or Cloaked Expansion?
An opinion piece in the South China Morning Post touts Beijing’s marine science diplomacy as a peaceful approach to South China Sea disputes. But critics argue that scientific outreach may be a convenient cover for deeper incursions into disputed territories, especially as data-sharing agreements remain opaque.
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Malaysia Now Faces China’s Aggression—Just Like the Philippines
China’s aggressive presence in Malaysian waters, including airspace violations and intrusions into oil-rich zones, has drawn parallels to its earlier bullying of the Philippines. The pressure on Malaysia reveals a familiar playbook—economic coercion, vague historical claims, and the use of “civilian” vessels as territorial tools.
🔗 Read more from Inquirer.net