Quote from Alex bobby on July 4, 2025, 3:10 AM

Lithuania’s Defence Chief Applauds Philippine Campaign Against China’s South China Sea Aggression
Transparency initiative hailed as a vital tool in exposing authoritarian threats to global democracy

Lithuania’s Defence Minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, has thrown her full support behind the Philippines’ campaign to expose China’s escalating aggression in the South China Sea — praising the move as a bold and necessary step in confronting what she described as Beijing’s “illusion of peacefulness.” Her comments, made during a visit to Manila this week, add a powerful European voice to growing international criticism of China’s actions in the disputed maritime region.

Transparency as a Strategic Weapon

The Philippine government’s "transparency initiative," launched in 2023 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is a public campaign to document and share images, video, and eyewitness accounts of Chinese coast guard and maritime militia harassing Filipino naval vessels and fishermen. From water cannons to ramming incidents, the campaign aims to raise global awareness of Beijing’s aggressive tactics in waters internationally recognised as part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

"I believe that, in this case, revealing to the world how China is harassing the navy and fishermen of the Philippines in their own waters is very important because it shatters the illusion of China being a peaceful and friendly neighbour," Šakalienė told reporters.

Her comments come in the wake of several high-profile confrontations, including the use of water cannons by Chinese vessels against unarmed Filipino fishermen — actions that sparked international condemnation and increased support for Manila’s transparency push.

Standing with the Philippines — and Sanctioned for It

Šakalienė expressed admiration for former Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino, who was sanctioned by Beijing just days ago for his criticism of China and his role in drafting new maritime laws that reinforce Philippine territorial claims. China’s move mirrors its pattern of targeting foreign officials who publicly oppose its policies.

"Welcome to the club," Šakalienė said, referencing her own inclusion on China’s blacklist — a result of her outspoken criticism of Chinese human rights abuses and security tactics. "Talking about China's crimes is what gets you into the blacklist... Pressure, coercion, and threats is their usual method of operation," she added.

By joining Tolentino in vocal opposition to Chinese aggression, Šakalienė underscored what she sees as a shared global responsibility to push back against what she called “an emerging authoritarian bloc” that includes China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

The Broader Geopolitical Stakes

Though thousands of miles apart, Lithuania and the Philippines are confronting similar strategic realities: rising authoritarian assertiveness, territorial coercion, and disinformation campaigns. For Lithuania, standing up to China aligns with its broader foreign policy stance that has also included support for Taiwan and resistance to Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Šakalienė’s visit to Manila is part of broader talks aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties between the two countries — signalling that the Philippines’ struggle in the South China Sea is seen by some European nations as part of a wider battle to defend democratic values and the international rules-based order.

“The threat we face is not regional, it’s global,” Šakalienė warned. “China, Russia, Iran, North Korea — this is an alliance of authoritarian regimes that don’t play by the rules. If democracies don’t unite and speak out, we all risk losing our freedom.”

The Philippines' Lone Voice in Asia?

While countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have territorial claims in the South China Sea, none have been as assertive or transparent in challenging China’s actions as the Philippines. Under the Marcos administration, Manila has taken unprecedented steps to internationalise the dispute — including inviting domestic and foreign journalists aboard coast guard vessels to witness Chinese incursions in real time.

Despite an international arbitration ruling in 2016 that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, Beijing has refused to recognise the decision and continues to expand its military and economic presence in the region.

The Philippines’ approach stands in stark contrast to the more muted responses of its Southeast Asian neighbours, many of whom remain economically tethered to China and wary of provoking Beijing's wrath.

U.S. and Western Support Grows

As tensions rise, the Philippines has drawn growing support from its long-standing ally, the United States. Washington has repeatedly emphasised that it is bound by its mutual defence treaty with Manila and has pledged to come to its aid in the event of an armed attack. The transparency initiative has further drawn support from democratic allies like Japan, Australia, and now, Lithuania.

Šakalienė’s endorsement is more than symbolic — it reflects a broader trend of transnational solidarity between democratic states confronting increasingly aggressive authoritarian powers.

Final Thought

As global tensions rise and authoritarian regimes grow bolder, the Philippines' stand in the South China Sea — backed by allies like Lithuania — sends a powerful message: silence is no longer an option. In exposing Beijing’s aggression and rallying international support, Manila isn’t just defending its waters — it’s defending the principle that might does not make right. The courage to speak out, even in the face of sanctions or threats, may be the most critical tool democracies have in resisting the tide of coercion.

Conclusion

Lithuania’s vocal support of the Philippines’ transparency initiative is a timely affirmation that the battle over the South China Sea is not just about territory — it’s about truth, sovereignty, and the preservation of democratic values. As Beijing continues to flout international rulings and deploy coercive tactics, countries like the Philippines are finding unlikely but resolute allies in places as far away as Europe.

In the words of Šakalienė, “What happens in the South China Sea affects us all. It’s not just a regional dispute — it’s a global challenge to peace, security, and freedom.”