A NATIONAL security expert has urged the Philippines to scrutinize China’s actions and rhetoric more closely, warning that portraying Manila as a regional troublemaker could undermine its efforts to defend its maritime rights.
Jose Antonio Goitia’s call followed Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan’s remarks on Oct. 15 that China could “easily win” in a war with the Philippines if it resorted to force, even as Beijing maintained that it sought peace.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the remark sounded like a threat, while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) described it as a “thinly veiled threat of the use of force.”
Goitia said the Philippines’ commitment to peace, democracy and international law should not be mistaken for a willingness to surrender its sovereign rights.
He questioned the characterization of the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s “troublemaker,” a label used by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian and echoed in public remarks by Vice President Sara Duterte.
Such rhetoric, Goitia said, risks diverting attention from the maritime disputes and portraying the Philippines’ defense of its rights as the source of regional tensions.
“Monitoring foreign vessels is not an act of provocation. It is our responsibility to protect the country’s maritime domain, security and national interests,” he said.
His remarks came amid aggressive Chinese maritime activity near Philippine-held islands and disputed features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
A maritime intelligence report tracked a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel near Ambulong and Diwaran islands on Oct. 14.
Chinese maritime militia vessels reportedly capable of conducting marine scientific research were also sighted near Panatag Shoal.
The warship reportedly moved slowly for nearly two hours before heading south, although its full track remained unconfirmed.
Goitia also raised concerns about unverified reports referring to “Operation Rising Dragon,” a possible 2028 invasion scenario and alleged Chinese claims involving Palawan and Batanes.
The Philippines is expected to have another chance to press its maritime claims and advocate adherence to international law at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Metro Manila in November.
