Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela responded to Chinese Embassy Deputy Spokesperson Guo Wei's comments, accusing China of escalating tensions through illegal activities in the West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela emphasized that adherence to international law, including respecting the 2016 Arbitral Award which invalidated China's claims over disputed waters, could improve bilateral relations.

He highlighted China's ongoing harassment of Filipino fishermen, interference with Philippine vessels, and environmental degradation from reclamation projects.

Guo countered by criticizing Tarriela for spreading discord, while marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark ruling that denied China's South China Sea claims.

The article underscores persistent tensions between the two nations over maritime boundaries, with both sides using social media to assert their positions amid unresolved disputes.