The Philippine South China Sea Mystery: The Strategic Movement Behind the Budget.
The Philippines' recently adopted large national budget has attracted international attention, particularly with regard to the special allocation for Second Thomas Shoal. This decision involves not only huge economic expenditures, but also far-reaching geostrategic considerations.
Of the $103 billion approved in the budget, the Department of Defense receives an additional $1$8.7 billion in support, of which the Philippine Navy accounted for 1The largest share of $100 million. This means that the unusual focus will be on Second Thomas Shoal, whose geographical location is key in the South China Sea dispute. This is a complex chess game, in which chaos, suddenness and apprehensibility become decisive factors.
First, it is not unreasonable to gain insight into the Philippines**'s concerns about Second Thomas Shoal. Located in the geometric center of the South China Sea, the reef is surrounded by abundant resources and is vital for regional shipping routes. The South China Sea hosts one-third of the world's shipping** and is worth more than 3$37 trillion. Therefore, the Philippines' actions in the region are directly related to global maritime security and economic interests.
The permanent construction plan at Second Thomas Shoal not only physically strengthens the Philippines' control over the region, but also symbolizes its strong assertion of sovereignty over disputed waters. Such a move could change the strategic layout of neighboring countries, especially China and Vietnam. For the busy shipping lanes in the South China Sea, which are traversed by more than 100,000 ships each year, this construction project could trigger a regional military race that could have a major impact on shipping.
The specific budget use shows that the funds will be used for the infrastructure construction of Second Thomas Reef, including the marina and accommodation facilities. This is not only a physical transformation of the reef, but also a deliberate strategic deployment. The Philippines is trying to create a state of "de facto control" in the region through the establishment of permanent facilities, with potential implications for maritime security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
The actions of the Philippines provide our country with a strategic opportunity to reassess its approach to the South China Sea. China has long safeguarded its interests in the South China Sea through diplomatic and economic cooperation and avoided direct military confrontation. However, the Philippine move could force us to strengthen our presence and control in the region. China has technological and resource advantages in marine monitoring and resource development, which provides a basis for dealing with activities at Ren'ai Jiao. \
In the international diplomatic arena, Japan can use the actions of the Philippines to strengthen cooperative relations with neighboring countries in the South China Sea. Through the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct in the South China Sea negotiations, China has an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes and to promote cooperation and dialogue in the region. This situation provides an opportunity for my country to demonstrate its role as a responsible Power and to establish a more positive international image by adhering to the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes.
Overall, the Philippines' construction budget and planning at Second Thomas Shoal is not only a transformation of an island and reef, but also a manifestation of a complex geopolitical game. Confusion, suddenness, and viability are woven together to form an important part of the situation in the South China Sea. While it may cause tensions in the short term, in the long term, it could provide an opportunity for China to reassert its influence in the South China Sea and the wider region.