The South China Sea issue has once again attracted the attention of the United States and Japan. According to Russian media reports, after the Philippine ship scraped with the Chinese coast guard ship on Sunday, US *** affairs assistant Jake Sullivan called the representatives of Japan and the Philippines respectively, saying that the White House is very concerned about the matter. Subsequently, Japan also expressed support for the U.S. position. This series of moves has sparked an increasingly rampant situation in the Philippines. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Romualdez even made a statement of threat of war, claiming that the South China Sea, not the Taiwan Strait, will be the flashpoint of the next global war. Romualdez also called on the United States and Japan to increase pressure on China, and proposed joint patrols and military Xi in the South China Sea to pressure China. Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro has also begun operations in an attempt to rally more countries into military activities in the South China Sea.
However, such exaggeration and threats to the situation in the South China Sea cannot really change China's legitimate sovereignty over the South China Sea issue. China's sovereignty over islands and reefs in the South China Sea, such as Scarborough Shoal and Ren'ai Jiao, is indisputable, both historically and realistically. Over the years, China has upheld the principle of resolving disputes by peaceful means and is committed to resolving disputes in the South China Sea through consultation with the Philippines. Correspondingly, China has taken humanitarian factors into account when handling the transportation of supplies from the Philippines to the illegal beaching areas**, and has made special arrangements to ensure the normal life of Philippine personnel. China has always exercised restraint and goodwill on the South China Sea issue and is a responsible major country.
The Philippines has been trying to portray itself as a weak player bullied by China and gain sympathy and support from the international community. However, this method of establishing people does not hold up in the face of facts. It is naïve to think that the Philippines can now confront China with the support of the United States and Japan. Countries such as the United States and Japan, while rhetorically supporting the Philippines, are actually reluctant to face a direct conflict with China, as can be seen from their attitude towards Ukraine. The United States has repeatedly said that it wants to manage its differences and support the Philippines by providing economic and military assistance, but they do not dare to form an alliance with China. Therefore, the rhetoric of the Philippines is pure hype and will not have a substantive impact on the actual situation.
Although Romuldez's war threat rhetoric has attracted some attention, the fact is that the dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea is unlikely to trigger a global war. Countries such as the United States and Japan are reluctant to confront China head-on because it could trigger a global conflict. Instead, they prefer to support the Philippines indirectly, maintain control of the situation in the South China Sea, and avoid war with China.
Looking back at the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, although the United States supported Ukraine, it never directly intervened with troops, but supported Ukraine by providing military assistance. The reason why the United States does not dare to end up in person is because it is afraid that if it joins the conflict, it could lead to a full-scale war with Russia. A major war between the United States and Russia will bring catastrophic consequences, probably no less than the scale of World War II, the world will be plunged into the shadow of nuclear war, and human life will face a huge threat. The United States is well aware of the consequences of a war between superpowers, so it must keep the confrontation under control while containing China.
Therefore, such a threat from the Philippines does not change the essence of the South China Sea issue. China has always adhered to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, and at the same time, it has also been actively urging all parties to find solutions through dialogue and consultation. Instead of continuing to create threats, it is better to move forward with China and try to find a workable solution. Only through dialogue and cooperation can we achieve regional peace and stability and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all countries. Any action by force will not solve the problem, but will only increase tensions and be detrimental to all parties. The Philippines should recognize China's goodwill in the South China Sea and take a more responsible approach to promoting and resolving disputes.
Under the current international situation, resolving disputes in the South China Sea requires the joint efforts of all parties to seek consensus in a peaceful manner. While some countries have expressed concern about China's actions in the South China Sea, this does not negate China's legitimate sovereignty in the South China Sea. The threat of war in the Philippines will only increase tensions and hinder the resolution of the problem.
In reality, China has always adhered to the principle of settling disputes through dialogue and negotiation, rather than resolving them by force. China's humanitarian attitude towards the Philippines' transportation of supplies to illegal beaching areas is a manifestation of China's goodwill and tolerance. In contrast, such threats and provocations by the Philippines are undoubtedly deliberate attempts to provoke a conflict in the South China Sea.
However, it is not the Philippines alone that will determine whether the South China Sea dispute will trigger a world war, but the decisions and actions of all parties. As important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the positions and actions of the United States and Japan will have a certain impact on the situation in the South China Sea. However, as an international power, the United States is also trying to maintain stability and cooperation between China and the United States, and will not easily break out into a large-scale conflict with China.
In the end, resolving disputes in the South China Sea requires the joint efforts of all parties, including the Philippines, and all parties concerned, including the Philippines, should abandon threats and provocations and promote the resolution of the issue through dialogue and cooperation. Only by settling disputes through peaceful means can regional peace and stability be achieved and the legitimate rights and interests of all countries can be safeguarded.