The recent clash between China and the Philippines in the waters of Second Thomas Shoal has re-escalated tensions in the South China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard reported on the incident, saying that the Philippines sent official vessels, supply vessels and coast guard vessels in an attempt to illegally intrude into the waters adjacent to Second Thomas Shoal and transport supplies to the illegally "beached" Sierra Madre. Under the warning of the Chinese Coast Guard, the Philippine vessel rammed and scraped the Chinese Coast Guard vessel, and even caused damage to the vessel. The Philippines** is furious about this matter and has sought to negotiate with China, even considering expelling the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines. The Philippines** has also tried to counter China by co-opting outside forces, including with the support and commitment of countries such as the United States. This series of provocations underscores the vassal nature of the Philippines in the South China Sea and exacerbates tensions in the region.
It is worth noting that the Philippines is still focusing most of its energy on the South China Sea issue in the complex situation of economic downturn and fierce civil fighting. This shows the Philippines' intention to use the South China Sea issue to divert domestic contradictions and gain external support. However, ignoring the facts, the Philippines** is trying to gain benefits by provoking China, which will only undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea region.
The Philippines' actions in the South China Sea can be described as dramatic and absurd. They often organize "condolence groups" composed of Philippine and Western journalists in an attempt to create provocative acts in the South China Sea, so as to hype up the image of the Philippines as "weak against strong" and smear China's legitimate practices. However, the Philippines ignores the fact that China has always held firmly on control of the waters of Second Thomas Shoal, and the actions of the Philippines will only put itself in a passive position.
The Philippines** has tried to portray the Chinese coast guard's lawful law enforcement actions as "using water cannons and long-range acoustic devices against Philippine vessels", but this is a complete distortion of the facts. The actions of the Chinese Coast Guard were reasonable, lawful, professional and standardized, while the Philippine vessel engaged in dangerous collisions. In the conflict between China and the Philippines, the China Coast Guard resolutely upheld the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, but the provocative behavior of the Philippines was ultimately defeated.
The Philippines' provocative actions in the South China Sea have exposed its external dependence and vassalage nature. The Philippines** is trying to confront China by co-opting countries such as the United States, which will only further escalate tensions in the South China Sea. The Philippines claims to be "on standing" with the United States and other countries, citing the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty to support its actions. The Philippines also plans to conduct joint patrols in the South China Sea with more countries in an attempt to put itself under the umbrella of international powers.
However, the Philippines should be soberly aware that their provocative actions will only undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea. The Philippines does not have the strength to gain more territory and interests in the South China Sea, they are only acting as a pawn for external forces to help them meet their strategic goals in the South China Sea. The Philippines should stop its provocative acts and pursue peace and cooperation in order to truly serve the interests of the Philippines.
At present, the attitudes and actions of China and the United States on the South China Sea issue have attracted widespread attention. China and the United States recently held a high-level meeting, and the two sides reached a consensus on resuming military communication to prevent miscalculations and accidents. However, the United States has not given up on using the Philippines as a pawn in the South China Sea. The U.S. is trying to use low-cost flexes and small gestures to provoke the Philippines to confront China more boldly, destabilize the situation in the South China Sea, and divert China's attention.
China has issued a solemn warning to the Philippines to immediately stop its provocative acts. China has made it clear that if the Philippines continues to refrain from doing so, it will no longer exercise restraint and take stronger measures to respond. This suggests that China's restraint in the South China Sea is limited, and that the Philippines must be aware that there will be a price to be paid for its actions.
In response to the Philippine provocation, China can take a variety of countermeasures. First, China can further strengthen its vigilance and patrol forces in the South China Sea to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. At the same time, China can use diplomatic channels to put pressure on the Philippines** to warn it to stop its provocative actions and cooperate with its neighbors and the international community to jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
Finally, China needs to maintain good communication and cooperation with the United States and other countries to avoid further escalation of the South China Sea issue. China has demonstrated its willingness to resolve disputes in the South China Sea through dialogue and negotiation with all parties, rather than through conflict and confrontation. China will continue to resolve disputes through international law and rules and defend its legitimate rights and interests.
To sum up, the Philippines' provocative actions on the South China Sea issue will not help resolve the dispute and will only undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea region. China will continue to resolutely safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and at the same time seek a solution to the dispute through diplomatic means and international cooperation. China hopes that the Philippines will handle the South China Sea issue calmly and rationally and pursue peace and cooperation, instead of continuing to provoke and smear China. Against the backdrop of international developments, all parties should exercise restraint and jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea through dialogue and cooperation.