Best to control the narrative. That is why in an age of information warfare, lawfare and gray-zone conflict, ensuring that your version of the truth prevails in the media is critical to claiming legitimacy and support, both domestic and international.
Over the last year and a half, the Philippines has conducted a master class in winning that information battle in its contest with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Manila is promoting “assertive transparency” to shape the media landscape, putting Beijing on the defensive.
It’s been an impressive campaign but it has been less successful than hoped — if “success” means dissuading China from continuing efforts to exercise control over the South China Sea. By other measures, however, it is a clear win.
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