The Philippine army wants to add new combat power! Marcos nodded and approved the purchase of submarines, the confrontation in the South China Sea escalated, and the four countries enthusiastically provided support.
As early as the end of 2023, the Philippines put forward plans to strengthen its capabilities in the South China Sea, including joint patrols, oil and gas exploration, and repair of beached vessels. At the beginning of 2024, this plan ushered in a new action - the introduction of submarines, which has become the focus of attention. Philippine Marcos said in a high-profile manner that this is to "defend sovereignty in the South China Sea". This trend has led the outside world to speculate whether there are deeper considerations, why the submarine was chosen at this time, and what kind of international political and military considerations are hidden behind the introduction of submarines?
First of all, we need to see that the introduction of submarines by the Philippines is not the first time that the Philippines has purchased military equipment, but is part of its plan in the South China Sea. Previously, the Philippines has repeatedly imported second-hand warships from the United States or Japan, but this time the introduction of submarines obviously has a different symbolic meaning. Marcos stressed the need to "defend sovereignty in the South China Sea," which means that the Philippines hopes to assert its rights and interests in the South China Sea through military means and build a tougher image in the international community.
Why did the Philippines choose this point in time to introduce submarines? This is not only related to the urgency of its plans in the South China Sea, but also to the international situation and regional instability. The South China Sea has been a point of contention, and in recent years, the Philippines has made numerous moves in the South China Sea, including cooperation with the United States and provocations against Second Thomas Shoal and Scarborough Shoal. In the international community, the South China Sea issue has touched the nerves of many countries and has become a major driver of regional tensions. The Philippines may have seized the opportunity to strengthen its military presence in the South China Sea by introducing submarines to better confront the parties involved in the South China Sea disputes.
In this context, after Marcos came to power, the Philippines not only brought in the United States and other foreign countries, but also confronted China through military action, in an attempt to attract more attention in the international community and seek more benefits. The two recent escalations have demonstrated the Philippines' resolute stance on the South China Sea issue. The first was to airdrop supplies to the beached ship in the waters of Ren'ai Jiao, which showed the Philippines' dissatisfaction with China's aid. The second was the forced landing on the Scarborough Shoal reef, underscoring the Philippines' increasingly aggressive stance on the South China Sea issue.
These two moves not only increased regional tensions, but also provoked a strong response from China. China has adopted the method of monitoring and making special arrangements for the airdrop and replenishment of Ren'ai Jiao, but the Philippine side is not satisfied and chooses to bypass the Chinese coast guard and adopt the airdrop method, showing a clear escalation of confrontation. As for the forced entry into Scarborough Shoal, China has taken the approach of expulsion rather than arrest, indicating that China does not want to escalate the conflict. Spokesperson Mao Ning said that the Philippine side's series of actions are completely contrary to international law and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and the responsibility lies entirely with the Philippine side.
How do you view this situation? China mentioned that it hopes the Philippines will make a rational choice and return to the right track of resolving differences through dialogue and consultation. However, judging from the Philippine side's introduction of submarines and upgrading its military strength, the Philippines may have two considerations. First, it believes that with the support of the United States, it can use strong military means to force China to compromise; Second, through military pressure, we should increase our bargaining chips and gain the initiative in dialogue.
As for the willingness of the four countries to provide submarines to the Philippines, this is not surprising from historical experience and recent developments. France, Italy, South Korea and other countries have previously had experience supporting allies in international affairs. The Philippines is gradually becoming the "gripper" of the United States in the South China Sea, so the support of these countries is logical. China needs to prepare for this situation in advance. On the South China Sea issue, China will not compromise easily, because this is a matter of sovereignty and the bottom line.
Overall, the Philippines' escalation in the South China Sea has attracted international attention, especially the introduction of submarines. China has called for dialogue to resolve the dispute, but the Philippines' actions have shown a tough attitude. The South China Sea issue involves the interests of many parties, and the situation is complex and sensitive. In the future, the international community needs to remain vigilant, avoid further escalation of regional tensions, and work together to maintain regional peace and stability.