Recently, the Philippines has once again provoked instability in the South China Sea. Philippines**MarcosIt was decided to take a loan from Japan for the construction of 5 shipsPatrol boatsto strengthen Philippine patrols in the South China Sea. However, the Philippines has no plans to repay the loan. Philippine Coast Guard Commander Gawan revealedMarcosAn order has been given to build a large one in Subic BayPatrol boatsThe base and received five ships of up to 97 meters long from Japan in the form of yen loansPatrol boats。This plan has alarmed us because Subic Bay is a strategically important base, not only for the Philippines but also for the U.S. Navy. Such a move by the Philippines could have a significant impact on regional stability and security.
The Philippines has faced many financial challenges in recent years, especially in 2021, when the pandemic hit hardEconomyAfter that, the state fiscal revenue declined and the fiscal deficit increased. Faced with this background, the Philippines** decided to build military bases and purchase ships in the form of loans, which have a total value of 29.3 billion pesos, or about 5$2.5 billion. While such a decision could enhance the Philippines' patrol capabilities in the short term, it could increase the country's debt burden in the long run. High levels of debt could limit the ability to invest in areas such as education, health, infrastructure, etc., further affecting the long-term development of the country and the well-being of its citizens. In addition, over-reliance on external loans could limit the Philippines' fiscal autonomy internationally for the futureEconomyAutonomy and policy decisions have a potential impact.
Japan has been trying to expand its influence in the South China Sea through military means and to contain China's development in line with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy. In recent years, Japan and the Philippines have gradually strengthened cooperation in the field of security, including military assistance and cooperative Xi. Japan has provided patrol boats to the Philippines and has pledged investment. The Philippines** wants to use external support to counter China's claims in the South China Sea. However, such cooperation could pose a threat to regional peace and stability, making the South China Sea region even more uncertain.
At present, the United States uses the Philippines and Japan as pawns to strengthen its strategic encirclement of China through allies and partners. Countries in the South China Sea should be cautious about this situation of foreign interference, as it may undermine the cooperation and development of countries bordering the South China Sea. The Philippines** should recognize that long-term reliance on external loans and military cooperation may have a negative impact on the countryEconomyconditions and autonomy have a negative impact. At the same time, Japan should also take responsibility for its actions and not pursue its strategic goals at the expense of uncertainty in the South China Sea. Strengthening cooperation and dialogue and resolving disputes through peaceful means are the only effective ways to maintain regional peace and stability.