MANILA, (PIA) -- The Philippine government is pushing back against China's aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) through transparency, despite emphasizing its desire for peace.

In a radio interview, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the WPS, Commodore Jay Tarriela said the Philippine government under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has adopted a policy of transparency. This involves making public all maritime encounters and incidents between Chinese and Philippine vessels in the WPS.

"The government's stand is now to openly expose China's bullying behavior and provocative actions," Tarriela said.

He also emphasized the importance of open communication to counter misinformation and garner international support against China's aggression.

"Some Filipinos believe silence is the best option due to fear of certain defeat," Tarriela said. "We must assert ourselves. We are the victims here, aggrieved by their aggression."

The PCG official also downplayed recent comments by Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding military preparedness. He clarified that the PCG's transparency initiative, which exposes China's bullying behavior and provocative acts, isn't a prelude to war.

"We're not just China's concern," Tarriela said. "It's not our intention to go to war against anybody."

President Xi's remarks followed a collision between Chinese and Philippine Coast Guard vessels near Ayungin Shoal during a Philippine resupply mission. The incident resulted in injuries to four Filipino personnel after the Chinese Coast Guard used water cannons.

The Philippines' approach underscores its commitment to peaceful resolution while defending its territorial and traditional rights in the West Philippine Sea. (JCO/PIA-NCR)