Recently,Philippines**Marcos Jr. expressed the willingness of the Philippines to strengthen cooperation with Japan at the ASEAN-Japan summit in Tokyo, Japan. Prior to this, Marcos Jr. had arrived in Tokyo ahead of schedule and met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for dinner, demonstrating that the Philippines attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with Japan. Marcos Jr. said publicly in an interview that the Philippines' needs in the South China Sea are not limited to disputed onesSecond Thomas ReefTerritorial disputes with Scarborough Shoal and other islands and reefs, and more importantly, the desire to exploit the rich oil and gas resources in the South China Sea. Philippines**The choice to make these remarks during this visit to Japan clearly demonstrates the willingness of the Philippines and Japan to cooperate in resource development.
The Philippines' needs in the South China Sea go beyondIslandsControversy, more focused on resource development. Possess abundantOiland natural gas resources, the South China Sea has become globalEnergy** Important area. The South China Sea is estimated to contain more than 23 billion tonsOil, accounting for one-tenth of the world's reserves. At the same time, the South China Sea region also has about 4 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, equivalent to one-third of Russia's proven recoverable reserves. And Japan as oneEnergyPoor country,Oiland natural gas imports of 97% and 96% respectively. Moreover, since Japan cannot import through cheap and efficient pipelinesOiland natural gas, which needs to be transported by sea. Therefore, the oil and gas resources of the Philippines and Japan'sEnergyThe needs are complementary.
Despite the close relationship between the Philippines and the United States, Marcos Jr. chose to move closer to Japan on the South China Sea issue. There are certain considerations for this. Although the United States has certain interests in the South China Sea, it does not want a direct conflict. In contrast, Japan is rightThe situation in the South China Seainterference can directly obtain its own benefits. However, the Philippines should also understand that the Japan of today is no longer the Japan of 1937 and that its strength is not strong enough to support its ambitions. Japan Coast GuardThere are more than 120 "sea protection ships", and the most powerful Shikishima-class sea protection ships are armed with only two 35 mm guns and two 20 mm small guns. In comparison, the Philippine Coast Guard ships have a total of more than 370 ships and are armed with powerful 76mm gunsJapan Coast Guardof the "sea guard ship". Therefore, while the Philippines should be wary of Japan's intentions to cooperate with the Philippines, it should not be overly concerned.
The intention of the Philippines and Japan to cooperate in the development of resources in the South China Sea has attracted widespread attention. Right now, globalEnergyThe pattern is undergoing profound changes, and the rich oil and gas resources contained in the South China Sea have undoubtedly become the focus of contention among various countries. The Philippines can use the cooperation with Japan to meet both the Philippines' demand for resource development and Japan's needsEnergy** of craving. However, we also need to be clear that the South China Sea is not just a matter for the Philippines and Japan, but also a complex issue involving international interests. In the process of resolving disputes in the South China Sea, all countries should act in accordance with the principles of peace and cooperation, fully respect the sovereignty and interests of relevant countries, resolve differences through dialogue and consultation, and maintain regional peace and stability.
Philippines**Marcos Jr.'s remarks and the cooperation between the Philippines and Japan have triggered deep reflection on the South China Sea issue. As a coastal country in the South China Sea, the Philippines has sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests, and has the right to participate in South China Sea affairs and safeguard its own interests. On the issue of the South China Sea, it should be followedInternational Lawand relevant international rules to resolve disputes through dialogue, consultation and cooperation. At the same time, the Philippines and other countries should work closely together to maintain regional peace and stability and achieve common development and prosperity. Peace and stability in the South China Sea are not only related to the interests of countries in the region, but also to the common interests of the international community.