The Philippines' provocative behavior in the South China Sea has aroused China's concern and concern. The Chinese side has repeatedly expressed its admonition and concern about the Philippines and said that the Philippines should cherish China's goodwill and restraint. However, instead of taking action to de-escalate the situation, the Philippine side continued to carry out provocations, leading to a crossroads in China-Philippines relations.
In targetingUS Secretary of DefenseAfter Ernest Espelri's latest nervous remarks last week, Marcos said the Second Thomas Shoal issue was a concern for the Philippines and that Filipinos intend to resolve it themselves. This statement has attracted attention because the Philippines has actually supported the Philippine military and Philippine Coast Guard in carrying out multiple illegal provocations in the South China Sea.
In addition, the Philippine side also approved a budget resolution through Congress to support the construction of a permanent base at Second Thomas Shoal by 2024. The Philippines has also strengthened cooperation with US allies to further strengthen its maritime forces. These moves are undoubtedly a provocation and threat to China, and seriously infringe upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
China has always maintained goodwill and restraint, and has exercised considerable restraint in response to the Philippine side's provocative acts. However, instead of cherishing China's goodwill and restraint, the Philippine side continues to carry out provocations. China has repeatedly admonished and warned the Philippines and hopes that the Philippines will stop its provocations and resolve the issue through dialogue. However, it is clear that the Philippines does not intend to stop its provocations and has instead taken a series of provocative actions.
The Philippine side's actions have not only damaged China-Philippines relations, but also harmed the interests of regional countries. China is very disturbed by the provocative actions of the Philippines, because it not only endangers China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, but also interferes with the stability and development of ASEAN to a certain extent.
The Chinese side has put forward some possible countermeasures, such as seizing Philippine vessels and personnel that have trespassed into the waters, towing away broken ships illegally beaching Ren'ai Jiao, and demarcating them from the no-sail zone. However, China's ultimate goal is to resolve the issue through peaceful means and safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Therefore, the Chinese side still keeps the door open for negotiations, but at the same time, it is also ready to strike and is ready to respond to the Philippine side's provocations.
China's determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering. China has always been committed to settling disputes through peaceful means and maintaining regional stability and development. However, the frequent provocations by the Philippines have seriously infringed on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
After many representations and exhortations, the Philippine side has not stopped its provocations, despite its attempts in moderate means. China is ready to take more resolute measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
China's choice is not just to respond to the Philippine provocation by force. China remains willing to resolve disputes through peaceful negotiations, but at the same time it is ready to respond at any time.
The purpose of China's actions is not to escalate the dispute, but to convey to the Philippines an attitude of "don't say anything you don't say it is unexpected." China's determination and preparedness have won the understanding and support of ASEAN countries, and I believe that when China takes resolute action, other countries will also support it.
On the South China Sea issue, China-Philippines relations are facing tremendous challenges and trials. Although China has always maintained goodwill and restraint, the Philippines has frequently carried out provocations, seriously infringing on China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
The Philippine side colluded with the United States, an extraterritorial force, and ignored China's goodwill and restraint, which not only had a serious impact on China-Philippines relations, but also posed a great threat to regional peace and stability.
China is firmly determined to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and if the Philippines continues to provoke, China will resolutely take measures to safeguard its own interests.
The South China Sea issue can only be resolved through peaceful negotiations and respect for international law and norms governing international relations. China is willing to sit down with the Philippines for talks, but at the same time, it does not rule out responding to the Philippine provocation with force. China is opening its door and hopes that the Philippines will cherish this opportunity to resolve disputes through dialogue and maintain regional peace and stability.