Recently, the South China Sea issue has been hotly debated in the Philippines, even sparking infighting. Some argue that the Philippines is economically inseparable from China, and that over-reliance on the United States and provocation against China will cost the Philippines. Marcos Jr. has come under collective pressure from political, business, and academic elites to resolve the South China Sea dispute politically. This situation shows that people of insight from all walks of life in the Philippines are worried about the Philippines' excessive proximity to the United States and provocation against China. This article will examine the causes and effects of the infighting in the Philippines from different perspectives, and point out that China has already made it clear about this.
1. The South China Sea issue and the interests of the Philippines
As one of the parties to the South China Sea, the Philippines has a maritime rights dispute with China. However, the Philippines has disputes not only with China, but also with other neighboring countries at sea. The Philippines' naval and air forces are relatively weak compared to other countries, so Marcos Jr. hopes to enhance his strength and voice by cooperating with the United States.
2. The Philippines' dependence on the United States
Some Filipino elites believe that the Philippines needs U.S. protection in order to increase its regional influence and voice. However, this dependence could lead to more security risks, and the Philippines could fall victim to the great power game.
3. Concerns from all walks of life in the Philippines about China-Philippines relations
People of insight from all walks of life in the Philippines believe that although China and the Philippines have differences on the South China Sea issue, China-Philippines relations are not the only one. If China-Philippines relations deteriorate across the board, the Philippines will pay a huge price. The loss of economic and trade cooperation with China will cause serious losses to the Philippine economy.
1. The international image of the Philippines has been damaged
The outbreak of infighting in the Philippines will leave an impression of instability on the international community. This could have a negative impact on the investment climate and international image of the Philippines.
2. Reduce the opportunities for cooperation between the Philippines and China
Divisions within the Philippines will hinder cooperation with China. If the Philippines is unable to maintain internal unity, cooperation between China and the Philippines could be disrupted or even interrupted.
3. The Philippines' regional influence has decreased
As one of the Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines' regional influence will be affected by infighting. Other countries may have doubts about the stability of the Philippines, which in turn will affect the development of cooperation and relations with the Philippines.
China's position on the Philippines is very clear, saying that the South China Sea is China's territory and China will not give up an inch of territory. China calls on the Philippines to take a deep breath, treat bilateral relations calmly, and resolve disputes in the South China Sea through political means. China has always been the most important economic and trade partner of the Philippines, and the two countries have close cooperative relations in the economic field.
The main reasons for the infighting in the Philippines are the relationship between the South China Sea issue and Philippine interests, the Philippines' dependence on the United States, and the concerns of various circles in the Philippines about Sino-Philippine relations. Infighting in the Philippines will have a negative impact on the Philippines' international image, cooperation with China, and regional influence. At the same time, China's position on the Philippines is very clear, and it calls on the Philippine side to settle the dispute calmly and through political channels. The Philippines should recognize the challenges posed by overly leaning too close to the United States and adjust its China policy as soon as possible to avoid becoming a victim of the great power game.
Based on the analysis of the situation of infighting in the Philippines, I believe that the Philippines should get rid of the mindset of over-dependence on the United States, and promote cooperation with China and other neighboring countries from the perspective of safeguarding national interests. On the South China Sea issue, a political solution is the only right option. In addition, the Philippines should also focus on its own economic development and promote economic prosperity through cooperation with China and other countries. At the same time, the Philippines should actively participate in regional cooperation mechanisms and safeguard its regional influence and security interests through interaction with neighboring countries. Most importantly, the Philippines should clarify its national positioning, adhere to an independent foreign policy, and avoid being drawn into the trap of the great power game. Ultimately, the Philippines needs to think about its own long-term development and choose a strategic path that is in line with its national interests.