Recently, in an interview with Japan, Marcos of the Philippines talked about the Ren'ai Jiao issue, saying that this is the Philippines' own problem, which should be resolved by the Philippines itself, and does not need US interference. This statement is in stark contrast to the Philippines' previous provocations and dependence on the United States on the South China Sea issue.
Ren'ai Jiao is part of the Spratly Islands and is China's inherent territory. In 1999, the Philippines illegally beached a ship named "Sierra Madre" on Ren'ai Jiao, claiming that it was to safeguard the sovereignty and security of the Philippines. However, the Philippines has refused to evacuate the ship, which is old and may disintegrate at any time, and has continued to send construction materials to the reef in an attempt to strengthen and expand, in order to consolidate its illegal occupation of Second Thomas Shoal.
This act of the Philippines seriously violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and also violates the consensus between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue, and has aroused strong opposition from China. China has repeatedly asked the Philippine side to withdraw from Ren'ai Jiao, but the Philippine side has ignored it and even seized the opportunity to engage in various provocations and hype. For example, the Philippine side has repeatedly sent ships close to the Sierra Madre, which has clashed with Chinese coast guard vessels and even collided with them, causing unnecessary tension and danger. The Philippines has also used the West to slander and smear China, trying to portray China as an aggressor and a threat, and to find excuses and support for its illegal actions.
The Philippines' provocations in the South China Sea are closely related to the backing push of the United States. The United States has always regarded the South China Sea issue as an important means to contain and contain China, and has supported and instigated the Philippines politically, militarily, and diplomatically through various means, making the Philippines a pawn in the implementation of its strategic layout in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States has not only privately provided the Philippines with various proposals and proposals, but has also publicly expressed its support and protection for the Philippines, and has even spread the news that the United States will help the Philippines repair the "Sierra Madre," showing that the United States is interfering and meddling in the Philippines.
This move by the United States has not only created wrong signals and judgments for the Philippines and made the Philippines mistakenly believe that with the support of the United States, it can do whatever it wants, but also brought obstacles and interference to communication and dialogue between China and the Philippines, and aggravated the differences and contradictions between the two sides on the South China Sea issue. More importantly, U.S. military activities in the South China Sea have seriously undermined peace and stability in the region and increased the risk of conflict and crisis. If the United States continues to strengthen its presence and influence in the South China Sea through military cooperation with the Philippines, it will cause greater damage and threats to the regional situation.
Against this backdrop, Marcos' latest statement is undoubtedly a surprising shift. In an interview with Japan, he made it clear that the Ren'ai Jiao issue is the Philippines' own problem, which should be resolved by the Philippines itself, and does not need US interference. He also said that although the United States has long assisted the Philippines in conducting maritime patrols, this does not mean that the United States can interfere in the internal affairs of the Philippines. His remarks can be regarded as a rejection and warning to the United States, as well as a gesture of goodwill and relaxation to the Chinese side.
Why did Marcos have such a change in attitude? There could be two reasons for this. First, China's firm stance and tough response on the South China Sea issue have made the Philippines aware of its mistakes and dangers. China has always maintained that the South China Sea issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and negotiation by the countries directly concerned, and no interference or interference by foreign forces should be allowed. The Chinese side has also repeatedly proposed to the Philippine side that it is necessary to manage the situation well, properly handle problems and avoid conflicts and crises. During the phone call with the Philippine Foreign Minister, Foreign Minister Wang Yi bluntly warned the Philippine side to act cautiously and not to collude with external forces, otherwise China will resolutely respond. The People** also issued the "Bell Commentary", further emphasizing China's position and determination. This information is enough to make the Philippine side soberly realize that China will not back down or compromise on the South China Sea issue, and if the Philippine side continues to provoke and challenge, China's counterattack will be inevitable, and whether the Philippines has the ability to withstand China's counterattack is a question worth pondering.
Second, the Philippines' dependence on and trust in the United States has not brought substantial benefits and security to the Philippines, but may damage the Philippines' autonomy and dignity. The Philippines should clearly see that the US interference and meddling in the South China Sea issue is not out of genuine concern and friendship for the Philippines, but out of hostility and fear of China, and is aimed at realizing the strategic interests and goals of the United States itself. By using the Philippines as a pawn in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States has not only failed to provide effective support and assistance to the Philippines, but may plunge the Philippines into an even greater predicament and crisis. The U.S. military presence and actions in the South China Sea have aroused strong opposition and vigilance from China and other regional countries, and if the Philippines continues to cooperate with the United States, it may attract more hostility and pressure, harming the Philippines' national interests and security. Moreover, the promises and assurances of the United States are not necessarily reliable and sincere, and the United States may betray or abandon the Philippines at a critical moment, leaving the Philippines to reap the consequences. Therefore, the Philippines should carefully consider the true intentions and motives of the United States, not blindly follow the steps of the United States, but maintain its diplomatic autonomy and dignity.
Marcos's change in attitude also reflects the importance and expectation that the Philippines attaches to China-Philippines relations. The Philippines should clearly understand that China is a friendly neighbor of the Philippines, an important cooperative partner of the Philippines, and an opportunity for the Philippines' common development. China and the Philippines have deep ties and ties in history, culture, economy, and people-to-people relations, and the two peoples have cordial feelings and friendly exchanges. The differences between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue should not become an obstacle or a burden to bilateral relations, let alone be exploited and undermined by external forces. China and the Philippines should properly handle the South China Sea issue through dialogue and negotiation on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, consultation on an equal footing and mutual benefit, so as to maintain peace and stability between the two countries and the region.
In short, Marcos's latest statement is a positive signal and a rational choice. His remarks show that the Philippines does not want to become a pawn of the United States and does not want to be an enemy of China, but hopes to resolve the Ren'ai Jiao issue and improve Sino-Philippine relations through its own efforts. This attitude deserves China's welcome and encouragement, and is also in line with the fundamental interests and long-term development of the Philippines. It is hoped that the Philippines will match its words with deeds and work with China to put China-Philippines relations on the right track and bring more well-being and happiness to the two peoples.