Title: South China Sea Disputes: The Philippines' Hardliners and Easers Rivalry The South China Sea issue has been controversial since ancient times, and the Philippines' provocative behavior in the South China Sea has attracted the attention of the international community in recent years. Recently, there has been a series of reactions within the Philippines around the Chinese coast guard's control measures against Philippine vessels. The attitude of the Philippines, the actions of the military, and the statement of Marcos Jr. all reflect the differences and changes within the Philippines on the South China Sea issue. For two consecutive days, the Chinese Coast Guard has taken control measures against Philippine vessels attempting to intrude into the waters of Ren'ai Jiao and Scarborough Shoal, triggering the Philippines to summon the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines to raise the issue.
Subsequently, the Philippine spokesperson even threatened to expel the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, hinting at retaliatory measures against China. This hardline attitude has sparked controversy within the Philippines. However, Marcos Jr. of the Philippines directly vetoed the Philippine demand for the expulsion of the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines, believing that the Chinese ambassador to the Philippines was only performing his duties to explain China's position on the sovereignty dispute in the West Philippine Sea, and said that the Philippines did not want to deteriorate Sino-Philippine relations. This shift in stance indicates that the winds in the Philippines may also change significantly.
Some important figures in Philippine political, business and academic circles have also begun to speak out, emphasizing that China is one of the most important economic and business partners of the Philippines and calling on the Philippine side to reconsider Philippine-China relations from a global perspective. These statements suggest that there may be a shift in the Philippines' attitude toward the South China Sea. From these statements and reactions within the Philippines, it can be seen that there are differences between hardliners and moderaters in the Philippines on the South China Sea issue. On the one hand, some people are trying to force China to compliment in a non-conflict manner by cooperating with the United States, Japan and other countriesOn the other hand, some important figures called on the Philippines to take a deep breath, consider Philippine-China relations from a global perspective, and avoid deteriorating China-Philippines relations.
In international relations, the attitudes and behaviour of all parties can have a significant impact on the situation. It is hoped that the Philippines can reach an agreement on the South China Sea issue, resolve the South China Sea issue in a peaceful and stable manner, and maintain regional peace and tranquility.