Philippines**During Marcos Jr.'s visit to Japan, he once again emphasized the Philippines' strategic goal in the South China Sea, which is not only to ensure national energy security, but also to drive itEconomyDevelop. Except for the Chinese oneSecond Thomas Reefand Scarborough Shoal, the Philippines also hopes to further explore and exploit the rich oil and gas resources in the South China Sea through cooperation with countries outside the region. The achievement of this goal will reduce the Philippines' dependence on imported fossil fuels, for the PhilippinesEconomyBring great benefits.
However, this claim by the Philippines has been thwarted in the current South China Sea dispute. China has always adhered to its territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea and its legitimate rights and interests in the resources of the South China Sea. The Philippines' provocations have been repeatedly thwarted by China, but they are still trying to achieve their goals through continued provocations. To continue to advance its interests, the Philippines wants Japan's support to station troops in the South China Sea and "confront China." As a major importer, Japan has a huge dependence on overseas oil and gas resources, and hopes to meet its energy needs through cooperation with the Philippines.
However, not all Filipinos agree with Marcos Jr.'s approach. Some Philippine political scientists have pointed out that the Philippines has a close relationship with China, and that undermining this relationship would seriously damage the PhilippinesEconomyBenefit. At the same time, relations between Vietnam and China are improving, bringing great benefits to VietnamEconomyBenefit. The Philippines' so-called "sovereignty claim" in the South China Sea does not have sufficient legal basis, and is nothing more than a political maneuver by the United States. In fact, China has more legal basis to support its rights and interests in the South China Sea.
Philippines**The motivation behind Marcos Jr.'s visit to Japan can be interpreted in two ways, one is that it is domestic in the PhilippinesEconomyThe dilemma is Japan's energy demand andGeopoliticsConsiderations.
The Philippines as a developing countryEconomyDevelopment is facing a huge dilemma. The Philippines does not have a strong industry to support it, except for its dependence on tourismEconomyDevelop. As a result, the Philippines has had to look for other ways to attract foreign investment and improve its ownEconomyStrength. The South China Sea is rich in oil and gas resources andFisheriesResources are a valuable asset to the Philippines. However, the Philippines' resource exploitation in the South China Sea is limited by China, so they want to realize their interests through cooperation with countries outside the region.
On the other hand, Japan, as a country that relies on imported oil and gas resources, has an extremely high demand for the stability of overseas energy**. Japan and the Philippines share common interests in the South China Sea. By cooperating with the Philippines, Japan can secure its own energy** and reduce the distance and time it takes to import energy. In addition, Japan's cooperation with the Philippines is also a form of containment and confrontation against China. Japan hopes to support the Philippines to weaken China's influence in the South China Sea and assert its own power in the regionGeopoliticsBenefit.
The Philippines seeks cooperation with Japan in an attempt to achieve its strategic goals in the South China Sea by provoking China. However, such cooperation is neither feasible nor desirable. First of all, the Philippines' so-called "sovereignty claims" in the South China Sea lack legal basis, and have only been repeatedly emphasized by the United States. Second, China has more legal basis to support its territorial and resource sovereignty in the South China Sea. The result of the Philippine provocation will only lead to further irritation and conflict against China, and will not have any substantial benefits for the Philippines itself.
At the same time, there are close ties between the Philippines and ChinaEconomyrelations, to destroy this relationship will only be for the PhilippinesEconomyCause serious damage. In contrast, Vietnam's deepening cooperation with China on the South China Sea issue has brought Vietnam lucrativelyEconomyBenefit. The Philippines can draw lessons from Vietnam's experience, strengthen economic and trade cooperation with China, and promote the development of bilateral relations.
Finally, the Philippines' behavior in the South China Sea is inInternationalThere is a lot of controversy in society. The Philippines should establish a solution based on dialogue and cooperation, and work with China to promote peace and stability in the South China Sea and achieve common prosperity and development. As a littoral country in the South China Sea, the Philippines' decision-making should be based on regional peace and stability, rather than pursuing its own interests. It is only through cooperation and dialogue that the South China Sea can become a region of shared prosperity.
Territorial disputes in human history have been protracted. We should look at the South China Sea dispute between the Philippines and China with a calm and objective attitude. It is only through equality, respect and cooperation that a path to the ultimate solution can be found. It is hoped that the Philippines will recognize this point, promote the proper settlement of the South China Sea issue, and make positive contributions to the peace and development of the entire region.