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China’s Online Propaganda Campaign Against Philippine Maritime Claims Intensifies
China has significantly escalated its disinformation efforts against the Philippines, moving beyond physical confrontations in disputed waters to wage a sophisticated “public opinion warfare” through social media, according to a comprehensive analysis of nearly 400 South China Sea-related Facebook posts by the Chinese Embassy in Manila.
Between June 2022 and January 2026, the embassy executed a methodical narrative campaign designed to delegitimize Philippine actions, erode international legal norms, and normalize Chinese control in contested maritime areas without military conflict. The strategy has become increasingly visible as the Marcos administration’s transparency policy exposed the stark contrast between China’s diplomatic rhetoric and its aggressive behavior at sea.
The analysis reveals three distinct patterns in China’s information operations: a recent shift toward personally attacking Filipino officials, the persistent repetition of delegitimizing legal terminology, and carefully calibrated messaging around significant events.
Most notably, since 2023, China has increasingly abandoned targeting abstract entities like “the Philippine side” or government institutions in favor of naming specific individuals. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela has become the primary target, with the Chinese Embassy publishing at least 15 separate Facebook posts directly addressing or criticizing him during the first three weeks of 2026 alone—an unprecedented focus on a single official.
Other prominent figures including Senator Risa Hontiveros, Senator Francis Pangilinan, and Representative Chel Diokno have also faced direct attacks. When targeting individuals like Tarriela, the embassy’s language shifts dramatically from legal argumentation to character assassination, frequently employing terms like “lie,” “smear,” “mislead,” and “manipulative.”
“This personalization serves a clear narrative function: isolating transparency itself,” notes the analysis. “By repeatedly attacking the most visible messenger of the Philippines’ transparency policy, China’s embassy sends a broader signal to other officials” that championing transparency carries personal and reputational costs.
The embassy’s messaging also relies heavily on repetitive terminology to delegitimize Philippine positions. The word “illegal” appears more than 270 times in reference to Philippine operations in its own internationally recognized exclusive economic zone. “Provocation” or “provocative” appears over 200 times, while the dismissive phrase “so-called” appears more than 100 times when referencing the West Philippine Sea or the 2016 Arbitral Award that ruled in favor of the Philippines.
China’s online rhetoric intensifies predictably around key dates, particularly in July during the anniversary of the 2016 Arbitral Award, when posts recycling long-debunked arguments about the ruling’s legitimacy proliferate. Conversely, during ASEAN summits, the embassy’s tone shifts markedly toward emphasizing dialogue and consultation—a strategic modulation aimed at reputational management when regional attention is heightened.
The United States features prominently as an external villain in China’s narrative framework. At least 27 Facebook posts since June 2022 have attributed Philippine actions to manipulation by the U.S. or “external forces”—a framing that simultaneously denies Philippine agency while portraying Manila as irresponsibly allowing itself to be used in great power competition.
Security analysts recommend that the Philippines establish an inter-agency rapid response mechanism capable of debunking Chinese claims within minutes rather than days. The Department of Foreign Affairs should institutionalize transparency initiatives beyond merely responding to Chinese narratives, regularly publishing evidence, clear timelines of incidents, and legal explanations grounded in UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
“If China’s social media efforts to disinform and confuse are not effectively countered,” the analysis warns, “Filipino public perception may gradually tilt in favor of Chinese positions, influencing policy choices in ways that subordinate Philippine interests—and steadily erode the primacy of international law in maritime Southeast Asia.”
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9 Comments
This is a concerning trend, as it demonstrates China’s willingness to leverage social media to advance its geopolitical agenda. The impact of such coordinated propaganda campaigns on public opinion and decision-making warrants further investigation and discussion.
China’s aggressive use of social media to shape the narrative around its maritime claims is troubling. The contrast between its diplomatic rhetoric and its actions at sea is concerning and deserves close scrutiny. Maintaining an objective and well-informed perspective is essential.
This highlights the importance of media literacy and fact-checking, especially when it comes to geopolitical issues. It’s crucial that we scrutinize online content and narratives, rather than passively accepting them. Maintaining an informed and objective perspective is key.
Interesting insights into China’s strategic social media propaganda tactics. It’s concerning to see them employing such calculated misinformation campaigns to undermine the Philippines’ maritime claims. I wonder how effective these efforts have been in shaping regional public opinion.
The detailed analysis provided in the article highlights the sophistication of China’s information warfare tactics. It’s a stark reminder of the need for robust media literacy and fact-checking, especially when it comes to sensitive geopolitical issues. Transparency and accountability are crucial.
This report underscores the importance of understanding the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the South China Sea. While China’s social media tactics are concerning, it’s critical that we approach these issues with nuance and avoid oversimplification.
The article raises valid questions about China’s motives and the potential consequences of its disinformation efforts. As tensions escalate in the South China Sea, it will be important to closely monitor these developments and how they impact regional dynamics and international norms.
The article offers a valuable glimpse into China’s strategic information operations. It’s a sobering reminder of the power of social media to shape public opinion and the need for vigilance in the face of coordinated disinformation campaigns. Maintaining a balanced and well-informed perspective is key.
This report highlights the evolving nature of geopolitical competition, where information warfare has become a crucial battleground. China’s use of social media to undermine the Philippines’ maritime claims is concerning and deserves close attention from policymakers and the public alike.