Photo credit: PCG

In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Commodore Jay Tarriela, the spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard on West Philippine Sea Concerns (PCG), didn't hold back in addressing China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. Tarriela pointed out that China’s recent economic and military advancements are fueling its boldness, leading the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to reinterpret international laws to suit its agenda.

He highlighted the notorious nine-dash line, which China has now extended to ten dashes. Despite the 2016 Arbitral Award invalidating this claim, China continues to act as if it’s the law of the sea. Tarriela emphasized that there is no basis for these claims in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

"The illegal presence of Chinese maritime forces in the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia lacks historical and legal foundation," Tarriela stated. He warned that China’s strategy seems to be about normalizing its illegal deployments, hoping to reshape the status quo over time.

This assertive stance by China, according to Tarriela, stems from its belief that its rising global status gives it the right to intimidate smaller nations. "This is a dangerous misconception," he added, stressing the need for the international community to stay vigilant. "If we allow this illegal presence to continue unchallenged, China might eventually claim that these unlawful activities have been accepted for years."

Tarriela’s comments are a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea and the importance of upholding international law to prevent escalation and conflict. His call to action is clear: the world must be prepared to stand against such brazen violations by a powerful nation.