Recently, the Ren'ai Jiao issue has once again attracted international attention. The Philippines has been trying to strengthen its illegal presence at Second Thomas Shoal, and has even begun to expand its dilapidated tank landing ships, which are suspected of being a command center. This move seriously violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and China must maintain a high degree of vigilance and take necessary measures to safeguard its own rights and interests.
Ren'ai Jiao has always been part of China's territory, which has been fully proven by history, geography and international law. However, the Philippines has been trying to change this fact by sending ships and transporting construction materials in an attempt to establish permanent illegal facilities on Second Thomas Shoal. Such behavior not only seriously violates the basic principles of international law, but also undermines the healthy development of China-Philippines relations.
In response to the provocative actions of the Philippine side, China has repeatedly stated its solemn position and taken a series of necessary measures to deal with them. The Chinese coast guard fleet intercepted any Philippine vessels attempting to intrude on Second Thomas Shoal, and even used high-powered water cannons to warn them. These actions fully demonstrate China's determination and strength to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
However, the Philippines does not seem to have learned its lesson, but has instead stepped up its efforts to take more aggressive action. Not only did they continue to send ships to try to force their way into Second Thomas Shoal, but they also began to expand the dilapidated tank landing ships, presumably to create a command center. This move further escalated tensions at Second Thomas Shoal and forced China to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
In the face of the provocative actions of the Philippines, China must take more resolute and forceful measures to deal with them. First, China should continue to strengthen its coast guard patrols and law enforcement efforts near Second Thomas Shoal, and resolutely prevent any illegal vessels from entering. At the same time, China should also strengthen communication and coordination with neighboring countries to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Second, China could consider taking more direct and effective measures to respond to the provocative actions of the Philippine side. For example, China can send sea vessels to patrol and demonstrate near Second Thomas Shoal to demonstrate China's military strength and determination. At the same time, China can also consider taking economic sanctions and other measures against the Philippines to make it pay the price it deserves.
Finally, China should continue to uphold the principle of settling disputes through dialogue and consultation. Although the provocative behavior of the Philippine side is infuriating, China should remain calm and rational and actively seek communication and dialogue with the Philippine side. Only through equal, fair and reasonable dialogue and consultation can the Ren'ai Jiao issue be finally resolved and the healthy development of China-Philippines relations can be maintained.
In short, the Ren'ai Jiao issue has a bearing on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as on the future development of China-Philippines relations. China must remain vigilant and resolute and take all necessary measures to safeguard its rights and interests. At the same time, China should continue to adhere to the principle of settling disputes through dialogue and consultation, and actively promote the healthy development of China-Philippines relations.