Tarriela fires back at China's diplomatic protest, exchanges accusations anewIn this photo uploaded on Facebook on Jan. 14, 2026, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela speaks at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde’s SDG Dialogue Series on the West Philippine Sea. "By pressuring our own government over my personal and professional expressions as the PCG spox on the WPS, the Chinese Embassy is engaging in precisely the interference it is obliged to avoid," he said. Tarriela fired back, saying China’s objections only demonstrate its unease over posts and reports showing the violations the country has committed in the West Philippine Sea. "If the Chinese Embassy objects to images or expressions that highlight these violations—often through legitimate public discourse or even satire—it only underscores discomfort with the truth being exposed," he added. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy continues to insist that its activities in the South China Sea are "in line with international law."

Source: Philippine Star January 17, 2026 03:32 UTC