Vietnam suddenly jumped out, and China was ready to respond
Provocations by the Philippines.
In the past year, the Philippines has frequently provoked incidents in the South China Sea, whether it is trespassing on Ren'ai Jiao to deliver supplies, posing near Scarborough Shoal, or even using fishing boats to deliberately ram Chinese coast guard ships, the Philippines has continued to provoke incidents, and the West has also followed the hype. These provocative acts have not only exacerbated tensions in the South China Sea, but also provided an opportunity for the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia and other countries to strengthen their presence in the South China Sea and frequently conduct exercises and joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea. At the same time, China has repelled Philippine ships, but other countermeasures have been limited.
Through its frequent provocative behavior, the Philippines has attracted neighboring countries to turn against China. The Philippines and Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Cooperation to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries and to promote and safeguard their common interests in the South China Sea. In addition, the Philippines has sought to join Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries in developing a new code of conduct in the South China Sea that excludes China. By establishing a"Small groups", the Philippines is trying to join forces with its neighbors against China. While other countries have not expressed support for the Philippines' efforts, Vietnam and the Philippines have similar illegal claims in the South China Sea, so they can be considered a party.
Vietnam's silent expansion.
Unlike the Philippines, Vietnam has kept a low profile on the South China Sea. However, according to a recent report, since 2021, Vietnam has stepped up its expansion of the islands and reefs it has seized in the South China Sea. In less than two years, Vietnam's total area of islands and reefs in the Spratly Islands has increased by 1.33 million square meters, far exceeding the total area expanded over the past decade. This significant growth was driven by the active introduction of Dutch dredger technology in Vietnam. Viet Nam has already received three Beaver dredgers, enabling them to carry out reclamation work more quickly. In addition, Vietnam continues to expand its other islands and reefs, including the strategically important islands of Bison Reef and Knox Reef.
A document previously signed by the commander of the Vietnamese Navy has already **, in which there are clear plans to expand these islands and reefs. They plan to use these islands and reefs as bases to form battle groups and form a posture of mutual support and both offensive and defensive forces to safeguard their own interests. Judging by the attitude of Vietnam, which claims to be a brother of China and acts on China's shores, its position on the South China Sea issue is complex.
China's reaction and preparation with both hands.
In the face of provocative actions by the Philippines and Vietnam, China has adopted a two-pronged strategy. China has made it clear that both the Paracel and Spratly Islands are Chinese territory and that China resolutely defends its sovereignty. This position not only emphasizes China's legitimate rights and interests in the South China Sea, but also shows that China has no intention of changing the status quo in the South China Sea. China has made it clear that it has no intention of taking steps to change the status quo, but will respond when provoked.
China's response demonstrates its firm stance and determination, and sends a message that it is ready to respond to all possible challenges and threats in the face of provocations from external forces and parties to the South China Sea dispute. Whether through diplomatic or military means, China will take decisive action to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and interests.