The Philippines has recently received a strong foreign aid, and Japan has handed over a long-range surveillance radar to the Philippines to provide strong support on the South China Sea issue. In addition, the two sides agreed to initiate negotiations on a "Reciprocal Access Agreement", which aims to simplify the entry procedures for the troops of the two countries and ** into each other's countries, and allow the troops of the two countries to train and operate on each other's territory. If the negotiations are successful, the Philippines will become the third country after Australia and the United Kingdom to sign a "reciprocal access agreement" with Japan. This series of measures has undoubtedly added more uncertainty to the situation in the South China Sea.
Although Japan claims that its cooperation with the Philippines is for the purpose of "mutual benefit", it is not difficult to see that there is a hidden intention to confront China. As Professor Libo, a Chinese geopolitical analyst, has pointed out, Japan is determined to follow the United States in confronting China in the South China Sea. They are trying to use the Philippines as a point to stir up the flames of war and draw China into the quagmire by provoking sovereignty issues in the South China Sea, especially the Philippines' claims to those islands and reefs. This act is malicious and extremely provocative. However, if the United States, Japan, or other Western forces try to provoke China's sovereignty in China's neighborhood, they will only end up reaping the consequences. China now not only has the courage to say such things, but also the courage to respond to any provocation. The point is that we now have a decisive grasp of our offshore areas, and we are capable of responding to any situation. While we have always hoped to resolve disputes through peaceful means, we must also maintain our strategic focus to ensure that we have our rightful place and position in the South China Sea.
Why, then, did Japan take such an active part in the South China Sea issue?This is related to Japan's own international strategic positioning. Since World War II, Japan has been under a post-war regime with a constitution that limits its ability to participate in military operations. However, in recent years, Japan has gradually broken this shackle and tried to step out of the shadow of the "peace constitution" and ensure its national interests and security by expanding the strength and scope of the Self-Defense Forces. As an ally of the United States, Japan has closely followed the United States' China policy in the South China Sea and has tried to establish its strategic influence in the region. This is why the Philippines has become a target for Japan to borrow.
For Japan, the South China Sea is not only a strategic region, but also a region with a high concentration of economic interests. According to statistics, the South China Sea is rich in oil, natural gas and fishery resources, and it is undoubtedly a cake that needs to be fought over urgently for Japan, which is heavily dependent on energy. At the same time, the South China Sea is also an important sea lane, through which 90% of Japan's imports and exports are transported. This shows that Japan has ample reasons and motivations to step up its involvement in the South China Sea.
In addition to its own interests, there is another important factor in Japan's involvement in the South China Sea, that is, its relationship with the United States. Historically, the U.S.-Japan alliance has been an important support for Japan. The United States hopes to use Japan's presence in the South China Sea to exert pressure on China and curb the momentum of China's rise. For Japan, working closely with the United States will not only help it improve its position in regional and global affairs, but also increase its own security. Therefore, Japan and the United States maintain close cooperation and share the same hatred on the South China Sea issue, both under pressure from the United States and for the sake of its own national interests.
As a party to the South China Sea dispute, the attitude and actions of the Philippines are crucial to the stability and development of the region. However, the Philippines is currently facing political and social difficulties, which also directly affect its position and actions on the South China Sea issue.
Marcos has taken a tough stance on the South China Sea issue and has shown obvious hostility towards China. However, with the increasing dissatisfaction and doubts about Marcos in China, especially in the South China Sea, Marcos's provocation of China has caused domestic problems, and Marcos seems to be a little untenable. In the face of domestic pressure, Marcos** tried to maintain the stability of his regime by bringing in external forces, which was also a reason for Japan's involvement in Philippine affairs.
However, we don't have to worry too much. Despite the complexity of the domestic situation in the Philippines, we only need to pay close attention to the actions of our adversary, the United States, and Japan is just one of the clowns, who cannot create too much of a storm in the South China Sea.
Despite the severe challenges facing the South China Sea issue, we must maintain our strategic focus and resolutely defend China's rights and interests in the South China Sea. No matter how provocative external forces may be, we must respond steadily and resolutely safeguard regional peace and stability.
At the same time, we should also step up publicity efforts to show the world China's concept of peaceful development and its image as a responsible major country. We have always firmly believed that disputes in the South China Sea can only be resolved through peace, cooperation, dialogue and negotiation. China has a large market and a strong economy compared to other hostile powers, and we have the ability to attract neighboring countries through our own development, making them more inclined to cooperate with China rather than confront other countries.
Finally, we should keep in mind the bottom-line principle of China's diplomacy and safeguard the fundamental interests of the country. Only by standing firmly on the right side can we finally overcome any challenges and difficulties. We believe that through our efforts, the South China Sea issue can eventually be properly resolved and regional peace and stability can be maintained.