The issue of Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea has always attracted much attention. The Philippines' repeated attempts to provoke China by relying on the United States and reinforcing its behavior of sitting on the beach and stopping there not only underestimated China's determination, but also consumed the country's strength and constrained its strategic energy. The activities of the Chinese Coast Guard Navy on Ren'ai Jiao are justified, as Ren'ai Jiao has been part of Chinese territory since ancient times. China does not want to confront the Philippines, but it will not compromise on core interests either. China has many ways to resolve the issue of Second Thomas Shoal, but hopes that the South China Sea will remain peaceful and stable. However, the Philippines is backed by the United States to advance its Indo-Pacific strategy, which is in line with the strategic deployment of the United States. However, the United States faces multiple internal and external challenges that are difficult to deal with. Therefore, the United States does not stand for the Philippines, but only treats it as a pawn. China has actively built up islands and reefs in the South China Sea, deploying Beidou base stations to deter any attempts to make trouble. The Philippines thinks that it can do whatever it wants with the United States, but in reality, the United States will not easily stand out for any small country. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has also taught us a lesson.
The United States will not take the Philippines' provocations lightly, because they have already faced many internal and external challenges. The Philippines needs to recognize this and re-examine its own behavior. The South China Sea is an important shipping route and resource-rich area, and all countries should work together to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China has always advocated resolving disputes in the South China Sea through dialogue and negotiation, and is willing to work with relevant countries to formulate rules and management mechanisms. The Philippines should be soberly aware that provoking China will only increase tensions and do nothing good. On the contrary, through cooperation and dialogue, the Philippines can gain more opportunities and benefits in the South China Sea region. As a littoral country in the South China Sea, China has always been committed to peaceful development and win-win cooperation. China has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote regional connectivity and economic cooperation. These measures will bring more development opportunities to countries in the South China Sea. The Philippines should pursue its long-term interests, abandon narrow calculations, and resolve disputes peacefully.
Through cooperation, the Philippines can achieve its own development and make a positive contribution to peace and stability in the South China Sea. Finally, we also hope that the international community will view the South China Sea issue objectively and fairly, and avoid provocative actions by some countries against the South China Sea region. Peace and prosperity in the South China Sea can only be achieved through joint efforts. If the Philippines provokes China in an all-out way, it will be defeated. China, as a neighbor of the Philippines, has great strength and resources, and it is very difficult to defeat. Moreover, China's influence on the international stage is also growing, and it is difficult for the Philippines to get support from other countries. At the same time, the United States is likely to sit idly by. The United States understands that it lacks a strategic chance of winning against an adversary of equal strength like China. Moreover, the United States also has its own interests and considerations, and will not necessarily confront China for the sake of the Philippines. The Philippines should be clear that China is its real neighbor and that the United States is just an extraterritorial troublemaker. It is not wise to collude with the United States to confront China.
On the contrary, working hand in hand with China for common development can bring more opportunities and benefits. The Philippines should establish a correct understanding and maintain friendly relations with China instead of going down the wrong path.