Recently, China-Philippines relations have fallen into a critical stage, which has attracted widespread attention. As a representative of the two countries, Chinese Minister Wang Yi made a strongly worded speech during a meeting with Philippine Foreign Minister Manalo. He first pointed out that China-Philippines relations have reached a crossroads and need to face important choices. Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that the Philippine side must act cautiously and avoid misjudgment and collusion with external forces with ill intentions. He also said that if the Philippine side continues to create incidents and turmoil, China will safeguard its rights and interests in accordance with the law and make a resolute response. The harsh wording of these two sentences underscores China's resolute attitude and hints at the current tensions in China-Philippines relations.
However, in the face of the diplomatic spokesman's statement, the Philippine Yodro** appeared to realize the urgency of the situation and took the initiative to call Foreign Minister Wang Yi in an attempt to seek dialogue with the Chinese side and de-escalate the situation. As for Philippine Foreign Minister Manaro's reply, it is not yet known, but judging from the holding of the dialogue and the observation of the outside world, this phone call may have a certain impact on the future development of Sino-Philippine relations and the easing of the situation.
Recently, China-Philippines relations have fallen into a trough because of the South China Sea issue. China has repeatedly stated its position on the Philippines in provoking incidents and undermining regional peace and stability, and pointed out that the Philippines' provocative acts will be reciprocated. In addition, the Philippines is also trying to collude with Western countries such as the United States to use external forces to counter China. However, the Philippines' approach has not been supported by neighboring countries, with ASEAN members such as Vietnam and Malaysia expressing their support for resolving disputes in the South China Sea through dialogue and consultation, and maintaining regional peace and stability. This further underscores the Philippines' isolated position in the South China Sea.
In addition, the United States has been involved in the South China Sea issue, trying to contain China by meddling in the South China Sea issue. However, the hegemonism and wanton behavior of the United States have not been universally recognized, and on the contrary, the Philippine aggression has been increasingly questioned in the international community. Countries around the world have called for regional peace and stability and opposed the interference of foreign forces in the South China Sea, and the Philippines' so-called "broad support from the international community" has exposed its self-righteous arrogance. The Philippines must recognize this point and no longer be used as a pawn by the United States and become a pawn of others.
In handling the South China Sea issue, China has always been committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, and working with neighboring countries to maintain regional peace and stability. In stark contrast, the Philippines has been trying to gain benefits in the South China Sea by deliberately provoking trouble and using external forces. However, the Philippines' actions have met with opposition from the majority of neighboring countries, and only Vietnam and Malaysia have colluded with the Philippines within ASEAN, while other ASEAN countries have expressed their willingness to resolve differences with China through dialogue and consultation, and continue to promote the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
The Philippines should reflect on this. As an ASEAN member, the Philippines should uphold ASEAN's common position and work with China to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. For the Philippines, abiding by international law and rules, rather than colluding with external forces, is the right way to resolve the South China Sea issue.
At this stage, China-Philippines relations have entered a critical stage, and the South China Sea issue has become the focus of bilateral relations. China's remarks made clear by Chinese Minister Wang Yi during the talks and China's resolute position that it will never tolerate provocative acts by the Philippines. The Philippines' call to China shows their understanding of the current situation and their willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue. But the Philippines can't just talk the talk and don't do it, it needs to prove its sincerity by taking action. At the same time, the Philippines should recognize its isolated status, not be exploited by Western countries, maintain regional peace and stability, and work together with China for common development.
In my opinion, as a self-editor, I also follow the relationship between China and the Philippines. China is one of the important partners of the Philippines, and the two countries have extensive cooperation in the fields of economy and tourism. The South China Sea issue is only one part of the relationship between the two countries, and more dialogue and exchanges are needed to resolve it. As an editor, I hope to make more objective and pertinent reports on China-Philippines relations and the South China Sea issue, so as to promote mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between the two countries. I believe that through the continuous efforts of both sides, China-Philippines relations will achieve more positive and stable development, and the South China Sea issue can be properly resolved, contributing to regional peace and prosperity.