In a recent defense and security paper released by the Stratbase ADR Institute, it has been revealed that the Philippines’ innovative approach of utilizing visual evidence to expose China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea has proven to be a powerful tool in leveling the playing field. This tactic, known as assertive transparency, has not only embarrassed China on the international stage but has also demoralized the aggressor. However, the paper emphasizes that this strategy should be seen as just one important tactic within a larger plan to bring about a behavioral change in China’s territorial dispute with the Philippines.
The paper, titled “Game Changer: The Philippines’ Assertive Transparency Campaign Against China (How the Philippines Rewrote the Counter Gray Zone Playbook),” authored by retired United States Air Force Col. Raymond Powell and Dr. Benjamin Goirigolzarri, highlights the effectiveness of assertive transparency as a highly focused and proactive information operations campaign. Introduced in 2023, this novel approach has showcased the Philippines’ ability to hold China accountable for its actions and has garnered significant international attention.
To ensure the maximum impact of this campaign, the authors suggest three necessary conditions that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should consider. Firstly, the Philippines should strengthen its national resilience and prioritize support for the long-term gray zone contest. This means building the capacity to withstand and respond to China’s aggressive actions effectively. Secondly, Manila should actively seek international support and impose reputational costs on Beijing. These two conditions have already yielded substantial gains for the Philippines, but it is still too early to determine the full impact of reputational costs on China’s behavior.
While assertive transparency has had impressive results, the paper cautions against solely relying on this tactic to secure victory in the West Philippine Sea. It is crucial for Philippine leaders to understand that assertive transparency alone may not be sufficient to deter China. It should be seen as part of a broader strategy that includes diplomatic efforts, regional cooperation, and military preparedness.
In response to the Stratbase study, Herman Tiu Laurel, President of the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI), expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of assertive transparency. Laurel argued that the Stanford-based Project Myuoshu, led by Powell, failed to deliver the promised reputational costs to China. He pointed out that many Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states continue to maintain close ties with Beijing, undermining the Philippines’ agenda in the South China Sea.
Laurel also highlighted Indonesia’s willingness to work with China on finalizing the long-delayed Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, which contradicts the Philippines’ plan for a separate code involving Vietnam and Malaysia. He criticized the lack of international support for Project Myoushu, with only a few United States allies actively showing concern and support for the campaign. Laurel pointed to Vietnam as an example of a South China Sea claimant that has chosen to pursue a separate path, establishing a strategic partnership with China.
While there may be differing opinions on the effectiveness of assertive transparency, it is undeniable that this approach has brought attention to China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines’ proactive stance in utilizing visual evidence has contributed to a global understanding of the challenges faced in the region. As the West Philippine Sea dispute continues, it is essential for the Philippines to pursue a comprehensive strategy that combines assertive transparency with diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation to achieve a peaceful resolution.
Source: The Manila Times
