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 ¡ª 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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