Tarriela warns local officials over Chinese ambassador's visits, cites Batanes
Philippine Coast Guard official Jay Tarriela has warned local government officials to be cautious regarding visits from the Chinese Ambassador. The warning follows a controversy where Chinese academics claimed the Batanes islands were a geographical extension of China shortly after the Ambassador's visit.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the rising geopolitical tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the sensitivity surrounding diplomatic visits to strategically located provinces.
MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela has cautioned local governments expecting visits from Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, citing a controversy over Batanes that erupted weeks after the envoy toured the province.
"Sa mga LGU executives na bibisitahin ng Chinese Ambassador, please be careful and remember what happened to Batanes a month after his visit," Tarriela said in a Facebook post.
The remarks come amid the ongoing social media spat between Tarriela and the Chinese Embassy in Manila over the latter's claims in the West Philippine Sea, as well as the diplomat's June trip to Batanes and territorial claims floated by Chinese academics.
What happened in Batanes. Jing met Batanes Governor Ronald Aguto Jr. and Vice Governor Jhong Nanud from June 16 to 18 to discuss cooperation and development projects.
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