Recently, maritime disputes between China and the Philippines have escalated, with frequent confrontations and even collisions between ships from both sides in the waters near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Jiao. Against this backdrop, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his resolute stance during a phone call with Philippine Foreign Minister Manalo. He said that China-Philippines relations have reached a crossroads, and the Philippines must be cautious in its actions, otherwise China will take action to protect its rights and interests in accordance with the law.
The reason why China has issued such a strong warning to the Philippines is because the continuous provocations have plunged the relationship between the two countries into a crisis. China has repeatedly called for friendly consultation and a rational settlement of disputes, but the Philippines has always been unwilling to stop its provocative acts. In fact, there is no deep hatred between China and the Philippines, and China, as a quasi-superpower, is willing to negotiate with the Philippines to resolve disputes. However, the Philippines has found support behind it, and the role of the United States behind the scenes is self-evident.
The United States has been trying to exert pressure on the South China Sea. Against the backdrop of intensifying maritime frictions between China and the Philippines, the United States has publicly stated that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the South China Sea, showing its support for the Philippines. This has sent a signal to the Philippines that the United States will come forward to protect China if it provokes them. The intentions of the United States are obvious, they want to put pressure on China through low-pressure operations, but they do not want to enter into a direct conflict with China.
However, relations between China and the United States have also eased recently, with both sides saying that they have no plans to surpass or replace the United States, and the United States has once again stated that it does not support it. Although the U.S.-China relationship is still in a state of friction, it should stabilize. Therefore, the Philippines' behavior of making trouble with China is somewhat unexpected. While the U.S. claims that the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty applies to the South China Sea, they are not willing to take such a risk if they do not engage in a direct conflict with China over the Philippines.
The reason why the Philippines continues to provoke China is driven by external forces. This is because the South China Sea dispute is actually an offshoot of the Sino-US game, with the United States trying to exert pressure on China through low-pressure maneuvers, with the Philippines becoming their pawn. However, the Philippines should remain vigilant, because no matter how much they make a fuss, they will not be able to climb the Five Fingers Mountain of the Buddha.
While the U.S. claims that the U.S.-Philippines mutual defense treaty applies to the South China Sea, they will not really engage in a direct conflict with China for the Philippines. Washington is reluctant to have a showdown with China, and there are other more pressing issues that need to be resolved in the international arena. Therefore, China has adopted an attitude of patient persuasion, hoping that the Philippines will recognize the situation and not insist on provoking China, and at the same time, it has also seen through the bottom line of the United States.
As a knowledgeable editor, I think China's position in this China-Philippines dispute is very clear and resolute. China has always advocated the settlement of disputes through friendly consultations, and at the same time, it has demonstrated its strength and sincerity. However, the Philippines is supported by the United States to continue to provoke China, which is a violation of the international order and rules.
I believe that China should continue to exercise restraint and patience and try to resolve the issue through diplomatic means. At the same time, China should also strengthen cooperation with other countries to gain more support and understanding. While safeguarding its national interests, China must also defend international law, fairness and justice. Only through peace, cooperation, and consultation can we achieve regional peace and stability and achieve the goal of common development.