In the Asia-Pacific region, the South China Sea issue has always been a sensitive and complex issue, involving many countries and complex interests. In this context, the position and actions taken by the Philippines, as one of the major parties to the South China Sea dispute, undoubtedly have a significant impact on the security landscape of the region. When Marcos Marcos, the new Philippine leader, first took office, he was faced with how to deal with relations with China and other relevant countries in the South China Sea. It must be pointed out that during the tenure of Marcos' predecessor Duterte, Philippine-Chinese relations have been significantly improved, economic and trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and the Philippines has gained a lot under the framework of Duterte's "independent foreign policy". However, with Duterte stepping down, Marcos' ascension to power seems to have brought about a shift in the winds.
In the process, China has always maintained its principled position on the South China Sea, that is, it adheres to resolving disputes through peaceful means, safeguarding maritime rights and interests, and promoting regional stability and development. The statement by the spokesperson of China is a positive response to a series of actions by the Philippine side, aiming to highlight that any attempt to balance China through external forces is not in the national interest of the Philippines. China has taken a firm stance on this, while retaining the necessary strategic restraint. Moreover, in the South China Sea dispute, the Philippine military's actions have taken on a positive posture, frequently operating near disputed islands and reefs in an attempt to consolidate its claims through de facto control.
His remarks in an interview that portrayed China as a challenge for Asian countries and framed the South China Sea dispute as a complex geopolitical challenge undoubtedly added uncertainty to the future of the relationship between the two countries. In response, the spokesperson of China stressed that the Philippine side's behavior is the main cause of the escalation of tensions, demonstrating China's resolute protection of its own interests and its resolute countermeasures to external interference. The movements of the Philippine decision-making level, especially the decision to open more military bases to the United States, have become the fuse for exacerbating tensions between China and the Philippines. The involvement of the United States and Japan, through massive military assistance, has provided Marcos with the capital to challenge China in the South China Sea.
Reflection and adjustment of foreign policy in the Philippines are gradually emerging. Deputy Foreign Secretary Domingo's position on the importance of economic diplomacy and China's status as a major commercial partner shows that the Philippines is reconsidering its relationship with China. Marcos's own acknowledgment also reflects a profound reflection on the direction of the Philippines' foreign policy. The voices of politicians, businessmen, and academics in the Philippines reflect concerns about the status quo and expectations for the way forward. They stressed that the South China Sea dispute should not become an obstacle to the development of bilateral relations, and that peaceful dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation are the right path that the two sides should pursue.
The Philippines' reflection shows that it has begun to realize that unilateral provocations are not only not conducive to solving problems, but can lead to disastrous consequences.
Peace and stability in the South China Sea require the joint efforts of all countries in the region, and any unilateral action and intervention by external forces could upset this fragile balance. Economic and trade exchanges between the Philippines and China, especially in the current global economic situation, are crucial to the development of the Philippines. Therefore, the two countries should strengthen communication and deepen cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, so as to jointly safeguard peace and prosperity in the South China Sea. In the end, under the principle of peaceful coexistence, seeking to maximize benefits will enable the Philippines to share the dividends of development with China and the entire region, which should be the right direction for future relations between the two countries. In a complex and volatile international environment, only by adhering to a cooperative attitude of equality, mutual benefit and respect for each other's core interests can we ensure the long-term stability of bilateral relations and achieve a truly win-win situation.