Diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated anew.

China has summoned the Philippine ambassador and formally demanded that the Philippines government rein in Jay Tarriela, following his public statements on incidents in the West Philippine Sea.

According to Beijing, Tarriela’s remarks were viewed as provocative and damaging to bilateral relations. Chinese officials urged Manila to exercise restraint and prevent what they described as misinformation and escalation.

Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, has been vocal in releasing updates, photos, and videos related to maritime encounters, a move widely seen as part of the Philippines’ transparency strategy amid recurring tensions in disputed waters.

The summons underscores the widening gap between China’s preference for quiet diplomacy and the Philippines’ increasingly public approach to maritime incidents.

Why It Matters

Diplomatic summons are serious signals. This development highlights how information, transparency, and narrative control have become central battlegrounds in the West Philippine Sea dispute.