France wants to join the South China Sea patrol, and Macron has taken another step to open up for the stationing of troops in the Philippines"Green light"This news has attracted widespread attention and heated discussions. As some foreign countries frequently provoke China in the South China Sea, the situation in the South China Sea has gradually heated up, and France's involvement has further exacerbated tensions in the region. However, what are the pros and cons and what are the real motives of France?
According to reports, France is preparing to conduct joint naval and air patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea and establish a legal framework for the presence of the two teams in each other's territory. French Defense Minister Jean-Claude Le Corny expressed his intention to sign a contract to promote bilateral defense cooperation during his visit to the Philippines, and the two sides are expected to discuss the mechanism of mutual visits by military forces. This means that France may have troops in the Philippines, and the Philippines may also send troops to France.
However, unlike other extraterritorial countries that stir up trouble in the South China Sea, France has chosen to protect its military operations in the South China Sea by establishing a legal framework for stationing troops, characterizing its provocations as legitimate. This behavior shows France's ambitions and pursuit of geopolitical interests in the South China Sea. With France's involvement, the South China Sea issue is no longer limited to disputes between countries in the region, but has become more complex and intractable.
1. Further interference in the affairs of the South China Sea
France's involvement complicates the South China Sea issue. As a European country far from the South China Sea, France has no direct geopolitical interests in the region, so its motives for intervening in the South China Sea are questionable. On the one hand, so-called joint patrols are just one of the means by which foreign countries interfere in the South China Sea issue, stirring up trouble and exacerbating tensions in the region under the guise of freedom of navigation. On the other hand, by establishing a legal framework for stationing troops, France's military activities in the South China Sea are likely to become more rampant and frequent, further interfering in South China Sea affairs and undermining regional peace and stability.
2. It may trigger regional tensions
In recent years, the situation in the South China Sea has escalated due to the provocative actions of individual countries outside the region. These countries include the United States, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc. France's accession will add more uncertainties to the South China Sea issue and could further exacerbate regional tensions. This is undoubtedly an aggravation of the situation for the countries of the South China Sea, which are already in a complex geopolitical environment.
China firmly opposes France's participation in the South China Sea patrol program. The official website of the China Maritime Safety Administration has clearly announced that the PLA is conducting military training in parts of the South China Sea, and other ships are prohibited from entering. China's original intention is to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, while at the same time defending its sovereignty and security interests.
China's ambassador to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, also made a solemn response to the erroneous remarks made by relevant countries on issues related to the South China Sea. China respects the freedom of navigation enjoyed by all countries in the South China Sea, but firmly opposes any country undermining China's sovereignty and security interests in the name of such a thing.
China has always advocated actively promoting consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea under the framework of ASEAN, strengthening dialogue, and jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea. In handling the South China Sea issue, China adheres to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes and hopes to resolve regional disputes through dialogue and communication. France's involvement is clearly contrary to China's position.
France's accession has undoubtedly brought more uncertainty to stability and peace in the South China Sea. Its protection of military operations in the South China Sea by establishing a legal framework for stationing troops means that France will conduct more military activities in a legal form. This adds to the already high tensions in the South China Sea and will further exacerbate tensions in the region.
China firmly opposes France's intervention and will continue to defend its sovereignty and security interests. China always advocates resolving disputes through dialogue and communication, and is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea through joint efforts with relevant countries.
As far as France is concerned, if it does not change its wrong position and continue to interfere in the affairs of the South China Sea, the desired benefits may not be realized, and it will only end up shooting itself in the foot. France should make clear its interests, stop interfering in the South China Sea, and give priority to maintaining China-France relations and regional peace and stability. This is also the posture and sincerity that France should have as an independent country.