Key Players in South China Sea Confrontation Scramble to Shape the Narrative

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian (L), Philippines Coast Guard Spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela (C) and U.S. military spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder (R). AFP

The release of videos on Wednesday of this week’s violent confrontation between Chinese and Philippines maritime authorities in the South China Sea triggered the usual mix of blame and recriminations among the major parties, but this time, there was a more ominous tone.

Each side used press briefings and social media to respond to the videos published by the Armed Forces of the Philippines that depicted a much more aggressive confrontation between the China Coast Guard and Philippines Navy personnel who attempted to resupply soldiers aboard the grounded World War II-era warship Sierra Madre that serves as Manila’s territorial claim over the Second Thomas Shoal:

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Eric Olander

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2
China, U.S. Ink Rare Earth Deal; More Trade Pacts Coming
3 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
4
Six Million Donkeys Slaughtered for Chinese Medicine: Charity
5
Rubio to Welcome Asian ‘Quad’ Back to Washington
6
Chinese-Moroccan Joint Venture Inaugurates EV Battery Parts Plant

You Might Like

Philippines Fights ‘Pro-Beijing Narratives’ as South China Sea Spats Swell

A Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson criticized domestic communities he said are pushing false narratives about the country’s territorial conflict with China.  Commodore Jay Tarriela pointed out what he called three misleading claims that ...

Philippines Denies Chinese Air and Sea Deployments Pushed It From Disputed Shoal

The Philippines and China are trading conflicting accusations following yet another encounter in the South China Sea. On Monday, a Philippine Navy ship sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, prompting China to dispatch ...

The Philippines Walks a Tricky Line Between the Superpowers

China has rejected a joint call by the Philippines and the United States to scale back its presence in the South China Sea. This follows Tuesday’s 2+2 talks between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. ...

Chinese Scholars Say Closer Philippines-U.S. Ties Mark a “Dangerous Signal”

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his wife, Louise Araneta-Marcos, met U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris for brunch on Tuesday at her official residence in northwest Washington. D.C. During their talks at the ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP