First of two parts
Dear Editor:
LAST week, retired US Air Force colonel Ray Powell published an article in The Manila Times (“Beijing’s good-cop, bad-cop playbook in Manila,” April 9 and 10, 2026). He made groundless accusations against the normal diplomatic work of the Chinese Embassy in Manila in an attempt to sow discord in China-Philippines relations. Projecting his own mindset onto others, Powell claimed that Chinese diplomats are playing a “good cop/bad cop” game to divide the Philippines. This claim is a typical case of political manipulation. If Powell insists on comparing Chinese diplomats to “policemen,” then Chinese diplomats would be duty-bound to expose [the] bad behavior of guys like Powell and make them nowhere to hide. Let us take a look at what Powell has actually been doing in recent years.
1. A habitual anti-China agitator
According to incomplete statistics, since 2023 Powell has posted more than 6,000 social media messages related to the South China Sea, relentlessly attacking China. Not long ago, he once again traveled all the way across the Pacific to the Philippines to attend seminars, give interviews, and publish articles. His mission? Demonizing anything related to China, from maritime issues to the local Chinese community, Chinese-language media, and Chinese-language education in the Philippines.
2. Promoting the so-called “maritime transparency initiative” to stir up tensions
Powell boasted that the Philippines’ so-called “transparency initiative” was modeled on their ideas and has even become state policy. What happened in the so-called “transparency initiative” over the past three years is not documenting maritime facts, but deliberately creating or escalating frictions at sea to fabricate and amplify a false “China bullying” narrative. This approach fuels confrontation rather than dialogue. After years of such tactics, has it helped resolve disputes between China and the Philippines? Has it brought any benefit to the Filipino people? Definitely no. It has only served the interests of Powell and those of certain groups.
3. Smearing China’s united front work and driving wedges in China-Philippines relations
Overseas Chinese communities naturally maintain emotional ties with China. The Chinese Embassy’s exchanges with various sectors in the Philippines are open and transparent, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and promoting friendship. It is fully consistent with international law and practice. Viewing such interactions through a Cold War lens, Powell has distorted them as “united front infiltration” and labeled them as “interference.” This projection is neither objective nor responsible.
4. Defaming the Chinese community and inciting division
The Chinese community in the Philippines has a history of over a thousand years and is deeply integrated into local society. Ignoring these facts, Powell deliberately portrays it as an overseas group “supported by the Chinese government.” His intent is obvious: to drive a wedge between Filipino-Chinese and the broader society and to incite suspicion and hostility. This resembles the introduction of McCarthyism into the Philippines. Filipino-Chinese communities have long contributed significantly to economic development and social progress. It is widely recognized across Philippine society. Such deep-rooted bonds cannot be easily severed.
5. Attacking Chinese-language media and threatening press freedom
Powell’s attacks on Chinese-language media in the Philippines are particularly egregious. On Jan. 22, 2026, he smeared the normal interactions between these media outlets and the Chinese Embassy, claiming the embassy “controls” them and builds a “propaganda network.” In early February, he again singled out major Chinese-language newspapers such as the World News and the Commercial News. His so-called “exposés” are in fact attempts to pressure and intimidate these outlets, seeking to silence voices that promote China-Philippines friendship. In response, Chinese-language media have spoken out, arguing that as a US citizen, Powell has no place meddling in bilateral relations and has done more harm than good. Such actions violate the principle of freedom of expression and amount to blatant bullying.
6. Targeting Chinese-language education and whitewashing aggression history of Japan
Powell has also turned his criticism toward Chinese-language education in the Philippines. In March 2026, he falsely labeled it a tool of infiltration and attacked an essay competition organized by a Chinese education center, commemorating [the] victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Chinese-language education has a long history in the Philippines and serves as a legitimate means of cultural preservation and friendship-building. The competition in question was open and transparent, approved by relevant Philippine authorities, and judged by respected local experts. The Philippine Department of Education has explicitly rejected claims that Philippine public schools are being used as platforms for foreign political influence. It is a strong statement refuting Powell’s baseless allegations.
Guo Wei
Deputy Spokesperson
Chinese Embassy in Manila
(To be continued)
