MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) West Philippine Sea spokesperson Jay Tarriela and the Chinese Embassy in Manila exchanged statements on social media following differing claims over a recent maritime incident in the Luzon Strait.

In a statement, Tarriela said he was responding after Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei “has chosen to directly address me on social media.”

Tarriela clarified that he did not claim a Chinese research vessel had trespassed Philippine waters.

“First, I never claimed that your Chinese research vessel ‘trespassed.’ As clearly stated in our press release and posts, the Philippine Coast Guard deployed an aircraft for a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight to challenge the vessel’s presence, verify if it was conducting marine scientific research without consent, and assert the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its Exclusive Economic Zone—all in line with UNCLOS and our domestic laws,” Tarriela said.

He also criticized what he described as selective references to international law.

“Second, it is disingenuous to invoke UNCLOS as a shield for innocent passage while conveniently ignoring its fundamental provisions that do not align with your excessive and unsubstantiated claims in the South China Sea. Furthermore, do not pretend that you are not guilty of conducting marine scientific research in other countries’ EEZs,” he said.

Tarriela further questioned claims of coordination during a December 24 incident involving Filipino fisherfolk.

“Third, regarding your repeated emphasis on alleged ‘coordination’ during the December 24 incident involving Filipino fisherfolk: common sense dictates that if prior coordination truly occurred, the PCG National Headquarters would have been informed in advance as our SAR center. The PCG vessel was already deployed and in the vicinity when the call was made and recorded—actions that appear timed to bolster a narrative rather than reflect genuine, proactive humanitarian intent,” he said.

He ended his statement by encouraging continued public engagement.

“Lastly, I appreciate your openness in discussing matters publicly. I hope you will continue this approach to engagement even when addressing incidents that involve the barbaric, illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive behavior of PRC’s maritime forces,” Tarriela said.

In a separate statement, Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei defended China’s position, likening the situation to travel on an international route.

“This is like driving on a public highway that international law clearly allows everyone to use-only to be accused of trespassing because someone insists a side road is the only ‘approved’ route. The road didn’t suddenly stop being public just because one party says so. The Luzon Strait is the highway; Bashi, Balintang, and Babuyan are all part of it, and international passage is guaranteed under UNCLOS,” Guo said.

Guo also rejected claims that there was no communication during the December 24 incident.

“And claiming there was no communication between the Chinese naval ship and PCG vessel regarding the Dec. 24 fisherfolk rescue? That’s like saying a phone call never happened while the call log and recording are right there. Before making accusations, Jay Tarriela should at least check the basic facts. Evidence doesn’t disappear just because you ignore it,” he said.