On December 10, 2021, the Philippines once again challenged China's sovereignty in the South China Sea. This provocation has attracted widespread attention, and it turns out that the Philippines has the support of the United States behind it. The United States recently issued a strong statement, saying that the "U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty" applies to the South China Sea. The announcement further sparked tensions between China and the United States. However, the Philippines' provocative actions cannot shake China's sovereignty in the South China Sea. This article examines the background of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and its impact on China-Philippines friction in the South China Sea, as well as China's position and response strategies.
On December 10, the Philippines illegally intruded into the waters near Ren'ai Jiao and delivered supplies to the beached boat. Previously, the Philippines had repeatedly forcibly invaded Ren'ai Jiao and Scarborough Shoal in November, once again provoking China's sovereignty. It is worth noting that behind this series of provocations is the support of the United States. The United States issued a strong statement, saying that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the South China Sea and calling on China to abide by the 2016 international tribunal ruling. The statement gave a glimpse of the U.S. position and intentions on the South China Sea issue, further escalating tensions between China and the United States.
However, the Philippine provocation will not shake China's sovereignty over territory in the South China Sea. China has always maintained that Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters are China's inherent territory and there is no dispute. In response to the illegal provocation by the Philippines, China has taken control measures and made temporary special arrangements for ships carrying supplies. No matter how provocative the Philippines is, China has the right to take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and security.
The U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty is a military agreement signed by the United States and the Philippines on August 30, 1951, to establish a collective defense system between the two countries. The treaty stipulates that in the event of an armed attack on either side, the other side will support it. The treaty demonstrates the U.S. security commitment to the Philippines. At the same time, the Philippines' use of the treaty could bring more uncertainty and risks to the dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.
However, in fact, the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty does not apply to the South China Sea. The Philippines' claims to the South China Sea are at odds with China, making the treaty's applicability disputed. In addition, the South China Sea dispute between China and the Philippines is a territorial dispute, which is not the same as the case of an armed attack. Therefore, the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty does not apply in this case.
In the face of the support of the United States and the provocation of the Philippines, China has always maintained a calm and rational attitude. China resolutely upholds its sovereignty and territorial integrity and has responded forcefully to the Philippines' illegal provocations. China has repeatedly stated that Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters are China's inherent territory, and there is no dispute, and the actions of the Philippines are completely illegal.
At the same time, China advocates a peaceful settlement of disputes in the South China Sea through consultations. China has always advocated working with its neighbors to formulate a code of conduct in the South China Sea and resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation. China firmly opposes the interference of external forces in the affairs of the South China Sea and advocates maintaining regional peace and stability. China adheres to the consistent concept of peaceful development and is committed to maintaining regional peace, stability and common prosperity.
The Philippines' provocative actions against China's sovereignty in the South China Sea with the support of the United States have attracted worldwide attention. However, the Philippines' audacity will not shake China's sovereignty in the South China Sea. China has resolutely responded to the illegal provocation of the Philippines and adheres to the position of settling disputes through consultations. China upholds its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and at the same time is committed to maintaining regional peace, stability and common prosperity. Against the backdrop of the South China Sea disputes constantly provoked by certain countries led by the United States, China will continue to take a firm stand to defend its legitimate rights and interests.