On November 29, the Philippine Coast Guard fleet announced that it would send supplies to ships illegally beached at Second Thomas Shoal, directly challenging China's sovereignty. This move makes people wonder what kind of political calculations and international wrestling are hidden behind it
The origins of the matter seem to have been traced back not so long ago, when the Philippines joined forces with the United States and Australia on a so-called "joint patrol in the South China Sea." On the pretext of "maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea", they directly pointed at China in their actual actions, and even claimed that PLA fighters were "circling" their planes, which was obviously creating accusations against China.
And Marcos Marcos of the Philippines has unabashedly announced that he will reformulate the "Code of Conduct in the South China Sea" with Southeast Asian countries in an attempt to isolate China. At this moment, the situation in the South China Sea is changing, and people can't help but worry. At the same time, the Philippines issued an amnesty, released political prisoners, and resumed negotiations with the opposition "Left United Front", seemingly in order to achieve the goal of "reassuring the outside world before securing the interior".
Behind this series of actions, is there an ulterior international force fueling the fire?Perhaps the United States has played a more important role in this wrestling in the South China Sea. China, on the other hand, has shown a high degree of restraint in this chess game and has responded forcefully to the Philippines' provocations.
In the face of the illegal actions of the Philippine Coast Guard fleet, China took decisive measures to intercept the supply ship's building materials. This action is not only a strong response to provocation, but also demonstrates China's firm determination to safeguard its sovereignty to ASEAN. At this critical juncture, China needs to weigh the trade-offs against being too tough so as not to push ASEAN countries to the United States, while also not tolerating provocations from the Philippines. This grasp of this degree is crucial to China's responsibility and responsibility as a major country.
However, we also need to ask ourselves whether the Philippines is acting smartly or stupidlyAttempts to draw foreign powers into the South China Sea could ultimately lead to isolation. Will these extraterritorial countries really support the Philippines?In other words, they are just taking advantage of the opportunity to take advantage of it, and when they really need support, they will scatter. The Philippines may be smart on its own, but it is "very stupid and naïve".
The third reading of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea has now begun between China and ASEAN, which means that this important document aimed at maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is one step closer to coming into force. Once achieved, it will be a powerful lever to deter US interference in the South China Sea. Perhaps, it is for this reason that the United States and the Philippines have begun to provoke frantically in the South China Sea, while China has shown restraint and forbearance.
Overall, the situation in the South China Sea is confusing and full of unknowns and uncertainties. But China, as a big country, needs to remain rational and calm at this moment, and not be swayed by external forces. In any case, we have allowed the Philippines to deliver daily necessities to ships illegally beached at Second Thomas Shoal, but we have resolutely intercepted building materials every time, not only in response to the Philippines' provocations, but also to send a gesture to ASEAN that we are determined to safeguard our sovereignty and have the sincerity to work with ASEAN to maintain stability in the South China Sea.
In the end, the Philippines' solo efforts may only push it to the brink, and China, as the dragon of the East, is destined to maintain a firm stance in this South China Sea storm. This is not arrogance, but a commitment to peace and a contribution to stability.