West Philippine Sea
Tarriela fires back at China's diplomatic protest over West Philippine Sea
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Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela responded to the Chinese Embassy in Manila's diplomatic protest against his statements, calling it an attempt to divert attention from China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea. The protest stemmed from a presentation he made featuring satirical images of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs have yet to respond.
A Senate debate heated up on Monday, February 3, as Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta clashed over the legal basis of the Philippines' claim in the West Philippine Sea. Marcoleta questioned the validity of the 2016 arbitral ruling, while Pangilinan defended it as clearly favoring the country.
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A majority of Filipinos continue to distrust China, with nearly eight in 10 viewing the Asian giant as the greatest threat to the country, according to an OCTA Research survey conducted in December 2025. Seventy-nine percent of respondents selected China from a list of countries. This reflects a steady intensification of this perception since 2021.
Chinese ships shadowed the Philippines' regular aid mission for fisherfolk off Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal on Friday in the West Philippine Sea, which a regional monitor called a 'new normal.' Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed the ongoing 'Kadiwa' mission there. Ray Powell noted six China Coast Guard and 10 maritime militia vessels enforcing an exclusion zone.
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Italian aerospace and defense firm Leonardo has reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines' long-term capability development and modernization goals. In a statement, the company said it will invest in technologies, skills, and systems to make the Armed Forces of the Philippines future-ready. This supports the nation's push for a capable and self-reliant deterrence posture.