Since the Philippines failed to fulfill its commitment to bring back the "beach"**, China-Philippines relations have been controversial. Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that the current bilateral relations have reached a crossroads, and the Philippines needs to think about the future direction on its own. He also warned the Philippines not to collude with countries with bad intentions, otherwise China will resolutely defend its rights. This statement is extremely harsh and demonstrates China's resolute attitude. ** Spokesperson Mao Ning also warned the Philippines again, hoping that it will rein in time and not join forces with foreign forces to cause trouble. The signed article published by People** made it clear that provocative acts in the South China Sea that ignore China's goodwill and restraint are extremely dangerous. This can't help but make the Philippines sound a "wake-up call", and the warning is quite strong. China is not only expressing its rhetoric, but also sending warning signals through actions. China's Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) issued a document announcing that it would conduct military exercises in parts of the South China Sea, making it clear that regional disputes should be resolved through consultation among relevant countries and resolutely opposing interference by foreign forces.
Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos has shifted his attitude against this backdrop. In a phone call with Wang Yi, he expressed his hope to manage differences in a way acceptable to both sides, and was willing to consult with the Chinese side in good faith. This suggests that the Philippines seems to be aware that its actions have seriously angered China, and that if it does not change, its provocations will shoot itself in the foot. Nevertheless, these words need to be translated into action, otherwise they will be just a dead letter.
It is worth noting that Marcos seems to have recently changed his stance on cooperation with the United States. Although there have been voices in the Philippines calling for the expulsion of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian, Marcos said that he understands Huang Xilian and will not expel him. He also said in an interview with Japanese television that the United States has been helping the Philippines with maritime patrols, but on the issue of repairing the Sierra Madre, he hopes that the United States will not get involved, which is the Philippines' own business. This is undoubtedly a blow to the United States, which is constantly creating trouble in the relevant regions in order to contain China geopolitically. By expressing its unwillingness to involve the United States in the restoration of the Sierra Madre, the Philippines is actually drawing a "red line" for the United States.
From Marcos's statement, it can be seen that the Philippines is currently trying to reduce the dispute in the South China Sea and does not want to see the worst outcome. However, will the Philippines be able to control the behavior of the United States?Will the United States give up the opportunity to meddle in Second Thomas Shoal?This is a question that Marcos himself may not be sure of.
The South China Sea issue has always been the focus of attention of the international community, not only concerning peace and stability in the Asian region, but also involving the maintenance of international order. As a party to the South China Sea dispute, the attitude and behavior of the Philippines play an important role in the development of the overall situation.
As can be seen from the statement of Philippine leader Ferdinand Marcos, the Philippines seems to be aware of the importance of relations with China and hopes to resolve disputes in the South China Sea through cooperation and dialogue. However, there is still uncertainty about whether the Philippines will be able to stand firm in its principles and not be subject to external interference in the face of U.S. intervention.
For China, the South China Sea issue is an issue of major national interests and territorial integrity, and China has always resolutely upheld its sovereignty. Through warnings and actions, China has sent a clear signal to the Philippines that it will pull back from the precipice, properly handle the South China Sea disputes, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
Against the backdrop of the international community's great concern over the South China Sea issue, all parties need to remain calm and exercise restraint and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation. Only in this way can peace and stability be achieved in the South China Sea, instead of being mired in endless disputes and confrontations.