After a series of recent incidents, India's meddling in the South China Sea issue has once again attracted attention. The Indian Navy has reportedly announced joint Xi with the Philippines in the South China Sea to promote cooperation between the two navies and promote a common approach to a rules-based order. However, the irony behind this news is that the Indian ambassador to the Philippines has made a high-profile call on China to exercise restraint in the Philippines in front of **, demanding that China abide by the law and not invade the Philippines in carrying out supply and humanitarian missions in the South China Sea. This speculative behavior of India fully reflects its arrogant and hypocritical side.
However, India's actions cannot cause a storm in the South China Sea. First, China's Southern Theater Navy is already closely monitoring movements in the South China Sea and has a clear grip on India's actions. Secondly, India only sent its own anti-submarine frigates, and its maritime strength is far from enough to compete with the Chinese Navy. In addition, the recent decision of the Supreme Court of India, which attempts to unilaterally change the status quo on the Sino-Indian border, can only be seen as wishful thinking on the part of India.
At the same time, the wind direction in the Philippines began to change. In a feature article published in the influential Manila Times, Marcos was reminded that the Philippines' claims over the ownership of the Spratly Islands have become divorced from reality, and that differences can only be resolved through negotiations. This move shows that the Philippines wants to maintain a balance between China and the United States and not be held hostage by foreign powers.
Although these voices cannot immediately stop Marcos**'s provocative behavior in the South China Sea, once the Philippines crosses the red line, bears the countermeasures from China, and pays the price, no amount of solidarity from the Western world will make Filipino society support Marcos**'s insistence. Therefore, we should call on all parties to resolve disputes through consultation and dialogue on an equal footing, rather than through arbitrary and hegemonic acts.