In recent years, the South China Sea issue has been the focus of international attention. The joint patrols of the United States and the Philippines and the activities of other foreign forces in the South China Sea have seriously undermined regional peace and stability. The Southern Theater of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was highly vigilant against this and took resolute action to drive away the trespassing of China's Xisha Islands and the Paracel IslandsSecond Thomas ReefAt the same time, the Philippine military aircraft were monitored. These actions are intended to show the Philippines and other external powers that China will not tolerate provocations on its doorstep. The Philippines' suspension of joint patrols in the South China Sea may be a response to China's hardline stance or a desire to ease tensions. However, France's sudden statement has brought new variables to the situation.
Recently, the French ambassador to the Philippines, Marie, said that France plans to conduct joint patrols with the Philippines, but only if the two sides agree on the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement. The agreement concerns the stationing of French troops in the Philippines. The French defense minister also discussed the agreement with the Philippines during his visit to the Philippines. France has chosen to participate in the South China Sea because the region is one of the world's major shipping lanes, and strengthening its presence in the South China Sea will help increase France's global influenceOn the other hand, due to the general reluctance of regional countries to be inThe U.S.-China gameChoosing a side, France could perhaps be the third option for these countries, thus providing a balancing force.
However, France's involvement in the South China Sea issue will undoubtedly have a negative impact on regional peace and stability. With the exception of a few countries, such as the Philippines, most countries would not welcome French intervention in regional affairs. France's actions not only undermine regional peace and stability, but also encroach on ChinaNational sovereignty, security and interests. Although Sino-French relations are relatively friendly, on the issue of core interests, France's tentative actions have eroded mutual trust between the two countries and undermined the friendship between the two countries. The actions of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) against France show that France's tentative behavior is playing with fire, and the PLA will resolutely respond. Even if the Philippines agrees to the request for a French garrison, the high vigilance of the Chinese PLA cannot be underestimated, and any misunderstanding and miscalculation could lead to serious consequences.
The South China Sea issue has always been one of the hot spots of international attention, and the activities of all parties in the region will have an important impact on regional peace and stability. France's sudden declaration of involvement in the South China Sea and joint patrols with the Philippines have added new variables to the situation. France's actions imply both a strengthening of its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and a source of uncertainty in the region. For China, maintenanceNational sovereigntySecurity and interests are the top priorities, and the PLA will resolutely respond to any threat to China's interests. In the process of resolving the South China Sea issue, all parties should strengthen dialogue and cooperation, resolve disputes through peaceful means, and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability.
Translated, if the Philippines does not agree to the agreement, the Franco-Philippine joint cruise may not take place. It is worth noting that the agreement that Mary talked about, the French defense minister also discussed with the Philippine side during his recent visit to the Philippines, in order to seek that France and the Philippines be allowed to deploy troops on each other's territory. From this point of view, France's announcement is not so much to support the Philippines as to seek to station troops in the Philippines.