The Philippine Navy has cautioned Filipinos to be aware of what it describes as a real threat in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), asserting that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is actively attempting to create division through political maneuvering and information warfare.
Naval Concerns Over CCP Strategy
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippine Navy, warned against allowing political debates regarding the WPS to distract from the core issue. He stated that such debates serve the CCP’s strategy of dividing Philippine society and its leaders.
According to Trinidad, the objective of what the Navy terms “foreign malign influence” (FMI) is to divide the Philippines, both its society and its leadership, and to obscure the presence of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the Chinese Coast Guard, and maritime militia within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Defining Foreign Malign Influence
The Navy defines FMI as “subversive, undeclared, or coercive activities by foreign actors designed to manipulate public opinion, erode trust in institutions, and subvert democratic processes.” Trinidad emphasized the government’s firm stance on the WPS, stating, “WPS is ours. We will not give up one square inch.”
Trinidad affirmed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to fulfill its mandate, and that the AFP operates within constitutional and territorial limits to defend national sovereignty. He likewise noted that the AFP personnel are capable of focusing on their mission despite political discourse.
The Navy spokesperson welcomed the appointment of a new spokesperson by the Department of Foreign Affairs for the WPS, viewing it as a way to deliver a more effective, unified message – “one message, many voices.”
CCP Described as an ‘Existential Threat’
Trinidad reiterated that the CCP represents an “existential threat” to the Philippines, citing alleged illegal activities, “coercive actions,” and “deceptive messaging.” He stated, “Numbers do not lie, people do. Their deceptive messaging gives legitimacy to their coercive actions.”
The Navy spokesperson indicated that the AFP is prepared to defend the country’s territory. Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea, a crucial shipping lane for over $3 trillion in annual commerce, including areas claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Navy’s primary concern regarding the WPS?
The Navy’s primary concern is that the Chinese Communist Party is attempting to divide Philippine society and leadership through political and information warfare, obscuring the presence of Chinese vessels in the Philippines’ EEZ.
What is “foreign malign influence” as defined by the Navy?
“Foreign malign influence” (FMI) refers to “subversive, undeclared, or coercive activities by foreign actors designed to manipulate public opinion, erode trust in institutions, and subvert democratic processes.”
What is the Philippines’ position on the WPS?
The government’s position is firm: “WPS is ours. We will not give up one square inch.” The AFP will continue to perform its mandate to protect the country’s territory.
As the situation evolves, the Philippines may continue to strengthen its alliances and seek international support to address the challenges in the West Philippine Sea. Further diplomatic efforts could also be undertaken, though China has previously refused to recognize international rulings on the matter.
