A maritime defense analyst based in the United States has praised the Philippines’ strategy of “assertive transparency” in countering China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. Raymond Powell, a retired US Air Force colonel and founder of SeaLight, a maritime transparency project, commended the effectiveness of this approach during a recent roundtable discussion with The Manila Times.
Assertive transparency involves the use of photographs and videos to expose and document illegal incursions and incidents of harassment and intimidation at sea. Powell described the Philippines’ implementation of this tactic over the past year as “revolutionary.” He emphasized that it has brought international attention to China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly highlighting the incident on February 6, 2023, at Ayungin Shoal. In this incident, a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship used a military-grade laser to drive away a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel.
Powell coined the term “assertive transparency” to describe this strategy. He explained that while the initial release of photos and videos was reactive transparency, what followed was truly unique. The PCG started documenting other incidents of Chinese harassment at Philippine outposts and vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Powell noted that the release of these images had a significant impact, causing the Chinese vessels to disperse. It became evident that Beijing was displeased with the exposure and wanted to avoid further documentation.
Despite being overmatched by the strength of the CCG and Chinese maritime militia (CMM) ships, the Philippines found itself with a moral high ground. Powell emphasized that assertive transparency has strengthened the country’s national resilience. By rallying the Filipino people and building maritime security capabilities, the Philippines has become less susceptible to exploitation and coercion.
Furthermore, assertive transparency has generated international support for the Philippines, providing both moral and material leverage against China. The exposure of China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea has imposed reputational costs on Beijing, forcing it to reconsider its behavior. Powell believes that this tactic gives the Philippines an advantage in future negotiations, as Manila is not interested in engaging in a direct conflict with China.
Powell draws parallels between assertive transparency and the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that rejected Beijing’s expansive claim over the South China Sea. He emphasizes that these actions alone do not guarantee victory but rather provide the Philippines with an edge. The combination of assertive transparency and the arbitral ruling contributes to a more favorable position for the Philippines in dealing with China’s aggression.
Looking ahead, Powell suggests that China may reconsider its tactics in light of assertive transparency. He raises questions about whether it is in China’s interest to continue its overtly coercive approach or if adjustments need to be made. However, the specific adjustments China may make remain to be seen.
In conclusion, assertive transparency has proven to be an effective strategy for the Philippines in countering China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. By exposing and documenting illegal incursions and incidents of harassment, the Philippines has gained national resilience, international support, and leverage in negotiations. This approach, along with the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling, strengthens the Philippines’ position and offers hope for a resolution to the ongoing tensions in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
