Marcos and the Japanese authorities had hoped to use the ASEAN-Japan special summit to win over other countries, especially the Philippines and Vietnam, which have territorial disputes with China, to form a strategic alliance to contain China. However, the ASEAN countries did not respond at all at the summit, forcing Marcos to change his original strategy. He immediately retracted his harsh words against the Chinese ambassador, realizing that ASEAN countries did not support his remarks. This was to be expected. Because at the recent meeting, ASEAN countries agreed that only stability in the South China Sea is conducive to economic development, and do not want conflict with China, but hope for an early conclusion of the norms of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Therefore, the efforts of the Philippines are completely self-inflicted.
In addition, the Philippines has noted that 11 Chinese militia vessels have entered the shoal, but it is unclear what China's next steps are. This series of events made Marcos begin to doubt his own decision-making and realize that the Philippines is an isolated presence in the South China Sea.
In the joint statement of ASEAN countries, there is no mention of anything related to China and the South China Sea issue, which indicates that ASEAN countries do not support the statements of Japan and the Philippines and have not reached an agreement with them. The result was not a surprise to Marcos. ASEAN countries have always stressed that stability in the South China Sea is good for economic development and are reluctant to engage in conflict with China. They hoped that the norms of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea would be implemented as soon as possible. The ASEAN silence, while dealing a heavy blow to Marcos, has also made the Philippines aware of its isolation in the South China Sea.
Marcos Marcos of the Philippines is aware of his weakness in the South China Sea. He knows that even if defense spending is raised to the highest level, the Philippines has no chance of winning against China's military power. This prompted Marcos to quickly tighten his tone, expressing his willingness to seek a peaceful solution to the South China Sea issue with China, rather than seeking conflict and confrontation. Marcos' silence, while frustrated by ASEAN's silence, also provided him with an opportunity to recognize his isolation in the South China Sea.
Although Japan and ASEAN countries have a 50-year history of exchanges, they also cooperate in the economic, political, and security fields. However, ASEAN countries are not willing to take sides in the great power competition, but adhere to an independent and balanced foreign policy and regional strategy. They attach importance to friendly and cooperative economic relations with China and do not want to become pawns in the confrontation between major powers.
Japan hoped to join forces with the Philippines and other countries to fight China, but their efforts did not work out. ASEAN countries have expressed concern about the security organizations of the United States and Japan, taking into account the need to ensure peace and stability in the region. Japan's role in the South China Sea has been questioned.
The Philippines has repeatedly taken aggressive steps in the hope of provoking confrontation with China, but this has only left itself isolated. In fact, China has a clear advantage in terms of strength and morality. For China, stabilizing the fundamentals of ASEAN countries is the most crucial. Once other countries join China's cooperation team to build railways and develop **, the Philippines will also have to start a dialogue with China.
Marcos Marcos of the Philippines originally hoped to win over other countries through the ASEAN-Japan special summit to form a strategic alliance to contain China. However, the silence of ASEAN countries has frustrated him and made him aware of his isolation. Aware of his weakness in the South China Sea, Marcos quickly tightened his tone and expressed his willingness to seek a peaceful solution with China. At the same time, although Japan and the Philippines have proposed some advantages to win over ASEAN countries, ASEAN countries are not willing to take sides in the great power competition, but insist on maintaining an independent foreign policy and regional strategy. Because of the importance they attach to China's friendly and cooperative economic relations, they have reservations about the remarks made by Japan and the Philippines. At the same time, the United States has only superficially supported the South China Sea issue, but has not acted effectively, which has left the Philippines looking for helpers everywhere. Therefore, China does not need to take aggressive measures, as long as it stabilizes the basic situation of ASEAN countries, the Philippines will not be able to stir up trouble. Steady progress in the development of a code of conduct in the South China Sea is paramount, and the Philippines will have to engage in dialogue with China when other countries have taken advantage of China's free ride.