CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela, PCG Spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea & Special Staff of the Commandant on Issues concerning the West Philippine Sea, will Address the National Press Club of Australia on "Philippines’ Transparency in the West Philippine Sea is more than Just a Strategy".
Since the 2022 swearing in of the Marcos’ government in the Philippines’, the Philippines has actively changed their strategy in dealing with China’s expansive claims to parts of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. The South China Sea is one of the major flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific region and the Philippines ‘transparency’ strategy has sought to openly publicise China’s aggressive actions within the Philippines exclusive economic zone. In his talk Jay will discuss the Philippines approach to China’s increased aggression, highlighting that transparency is more than just a strategic tool; it is a vital element in managing maritime disputes, asserting sovereignty, and promoting international support.
Bio:
CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela holds the distinction of being the youngest ever to be promoted to a flag or star rank in the Philippines, and to this day, he remains the youngest general in the entire uniformed service. Currently serving as the PCG Spokesperson on the West Philippine Sea and as the Special Staff of the Commandant on Issues concerning the West Philippine Sea, he has become the face of the Philippines' transparency strategy in countering China's aggressive actions. His dedication to transparency has garnered international support, with the global community standing alongside the Philippines in condemning China's blatant violation of international law.
With an extensive education background, CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela's expertise has been shaped by his Ph.D. studies at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo as a Japan International Cooperation Agency ASEAN Public Policy Leadership scholar. He has also undergone rigorous military and coast guard training, both locally and abroad. Additionally, he holds a graduate degree from the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Graduate School and a Master of Policy Studies from GRIPS and the Japan Coast Guard Academy.
CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela has been acknowledged for his scholarly engagement and has been selected as an inaugural cohort of the 2021 Pacific Forum US-Philippines' Next Generation Leaders' Initiative. He has also been chosen as a fellow of the 2021 East-West Center US-Philippines Alliance Fellowship in Washington, DC, USA. As a respected voice in his field, he has contributed opinion-editorial articles to esteemed publications such as The Diplomat, The National Interest, and Analyzing War. Furthermore, he shares his knowledge and expertise as a visiting lecturer at the National Defense College of the Philippines, Philippine Public Safety College, and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Graduate School.
His remarkable contributions to the PCG's efforts in the West Philippine Sea have been recognized with the prestigious Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. last year. Additionally, he was bestowed with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Medal of Excellence (KAME) for Security and Innovation in February, acknowledging his tireless efforts in raising awareness among Filipinos about China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
CG Commodore Jay Tristan Tarriela's remarkable accomplishments, unwavering dedication, and steadfast commitment to transparency have positioned him as a valuable asset to the Philippines and a symbol of hope in the country's quest for sovereignty.
