The Philippines' Transparency Initiative and information warfare in the East Sea

Abstract

Since early 2023, the Philippines has intensified its adoption of a transparency approach—
referred to as the Transparency Initiative—by exposing China's coercivegrey-zone tactics in the South
China Sea. This article analyzes the Philippines' Transparency Initiative within the broader framework of
the 'naming and shaming' strategy, highlights key characteristics, assesses its effectiveness, and identifies its
limitations. The article further argues that this approach has been increasingly challenged by China’s
adaptation and the deployment of information operations.