Transparency initiative
The transparency initiative, also known as assertive transparency, is a counter-gray zone strategy used by the Philippines to combat China's assertions concerning in the South China Sea dispute. It is marked by the Philippines publicizing of altercations involving China and Filipinos including fishermen and personnel of coast guard and the navy.
History
[edit]The transparency initiative was adopted in February 2023 during the presidency of Bongbong Marcos. This was after a laser incident occur at the Second Thomas Shoal when the China Coast Guard allegedly pointed a laser at crew of a Philippine Coast Guard ship.[1] China justified the move as its coast guard using laser as a measuring tool as part of routine law enforcement operations.[2]
It preceded Rodrigo Duterte's foreign policy of silence and selective disclosure on dealing with China in regards to the South China Sea dispute.[1] Duterte has insist that publicizing China's actions would provoke it to be more aggresive.[3]
Ever since, the Philippine government has publicized altercations between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.[1][3]
Strategy
[edit]The transparency initiative seeks to frame China as a "bully" of its smaller neighboring countries in the context of the South China Sea dispute. It serves as an awareness campaign for Filipinos on China's "illegal presence and dangerous maneuvers" in the contested sea which Manila insist deprives Filipino fishers of their livelihood and affront to its sovereign rights. It is also meant to garner support from the international community on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration ruling which declared China's nine-dash line claim as invalid.[1] It is seen as a response to China's grey-zone tactics in the South China Sea.[3]
The Philippine government has published photos and evidence of Chinese alleged harassment of its fishers and its navy and coast guard personnel as part of the strategy.[4][5] It has also invited journalists, both and local, to join the Philippine Coast Guard's missions to the Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands.[3][5]
Impact
[edit]National Security Council Jonathan Malaya described the transparency initiative as having mixed results in 2024 stating it increased awareness both internationally and domestically in regards to China's actions but concedes it did not change China's behavior.[1] At least for 2023, trade relations between China and the Philippines remain largely unaffected.[6]
The Philippines was also able to conduct joint-patrol exercises with foreign nations in the South China Sea.[7]
The initiative has strengthened commitment of the United States with its military alliance with the Philippines. Negotiations for a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan began.[7] A Japan–Philippines RAA agreement was signed by both countries' legislatures by 2025.[8][9]
Reception
[edit]In 2025, Lithuanian defense minister Dovilė Šakalienė has praised the strategy which challenges the "the illusion of China being peaceful and friendly".[4]
See also
[edit]- Foreign policy of the Philippines
- West Philippine Sea – name used by the Philippines to refer to parts of the South China Sea within its claimed exclusive economic zone.
- Cabbage tactics
- Chinese salami slicing strategy
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Vitug, Marites Dañguilan (March 4, 2024). "A year after: Transparency in the West Philippine Sea". Rappler. Archived from the original on March 4, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ Magnier, Mark (February 12, 2025). "Manila uses 'transparency initiative' to offset Beijing's South China Sea moves". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on February 7, 2025. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Robles, Raissa (February 14, 2024). "Manila to stay transparent over South China Sea row against Beijing's 'bullying'". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ a b "Lithuania's defense chief praises PH campaign exposing China aggression". Inquirer.net. Associated Press. July 2, 2025. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ a b Atienza, Kyle Aristophere (February 13, 2024). "PHL's transparency initiative straining China's economic ambitions — expert". BusinessWorld. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ "No China Backlash, So Far: The Philippines' New Assertive Transparency Policy in the South China Sea". Fulcrum. December 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
- ^ a b Powel, Raymond; Goirigolzarri, Benjamin (2023). Game Changer: The Philippines' Assertive Transparency Campaign: How the Philippines Rewrote the Counter Gray Zone Playbook in 2023. Stratbase ADRi Publications. pp. 17–18.
- ^ Abarca, Charie Mae (December 17, 2024). "Senate ratifies historic PH-Japan RAA". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on December 17, 2024. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ "Japan Diet OKs defense cooperation pact with Philippines". Mainichi Daily News. June 6, 2025. Retrieved July 6, 2025.
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