Recently, Philippine President Marcos made a speech in Washington that attracted global attention. In his speech, he made it clear: "The Philippines will not use U.S.-provided military bases against China and will not seek conflict with China, but will pursue a foreign policy of peace." This remark immediately sparked widespread discussion and questioning, and people began to wonder how credible Marcos's attitude really was, and whether there was a deeper meaning behind this statement.
First, we need to review the historical disputes between China and the Philippines. Since the 70s of last century, there have been many territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and many countries have been attracted to the rich resources of the South China Sea, constantly encroaching on the mainland's islands and reefs. In particular, the Philippines has sent troops to invade and occupy Nansha islands and reefs, and the core issue of these disputes is, in the final analysis, the geographical location and rich resources of the South China Sea itself. The South China Sea is located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, Chinese mainland the south, bordering Chinese mainland, Taiwan, the Philippines, the Malay Peninsula and other countries, with a huge natural sea area. China's "nine-dash line" claims that Nanhai Zhudao and its ancillary waters are China's inherent territory, which is based on historical facts but has sparked international controversy.
The historical attribution of Nanhai Zhudao has been recorded as early as ancient China, and the Song Dynasty established China's sovereignty on Nanhai Zhudao. However, the long domination of European powers in the South China Sea has complicated the issue in the South China Sea. However, after the end of World War II, the international community generally recognized China's sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao. However, some countries, especially those established after World War II, have chosen to ignore this historical fact and insist on the existence of disputes in the South China Sea.
The Philippines' conduct on the South China Sea issue is also controversial. They not only encroach on China's Nansha islands and reefs, but also illegally exploit seabed resources. Even more puzzling is the fact that the Philippines initiated arbitration proceedings in 2013 in an attempt to legalize its illegal actions while attempting to undermine China's sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. However, the Philippines' move reneged on an agreement to resolve disputes through bilateral negotiations with China. The move led to a tribunal's ruling on China's maritime interests in the South China Sea, which not only exacerbated tensions between China and the Philippines, but also affected stability in the South China Sea.
However, there seems to have been some changes in Philippine foreign policy in recent years. Former President Rodrigo Duterte has repeatedly criticized China and tried to work with the United States to confront it. But as Duterte rapprocheed with China, relations between the Philippines and China began to ease. The move has also led to tensions between the Philippines and the United States, with Duterte even suspending joint military exercises with the United States.
Now, with Philippine President Marcos in office, he is trying to find a balance between China and the United States, but the Philippines faces a dilemma. As a small country, it is difficult for the Philippines to shake off its passive position between China and the United States. They do not want to offend either the United States or China, and they can only try to find a balance. However, this balance is often difficult to find because the conflict of interest between China and the United States is large, and it is difficult for the Philippines to obtain real benefits. The Philippines needs to make its position clear and build a genuine relationship of trust, not just empty slogans.
Marcos's speech reflects the Philippines' friendly attitude towards China and has a certain easing effect on tensions in the South China Sea. However, the Philippines' vacillation between China and the United States and contradictions over the South China Sea issue have also become apparent. The Philippines should be vigilant against the cautious opportunities of the United States, strengthen cooperation and communication with China, and safeguard its own interests and development as the premise. Only through genuine cooperation and understanding can the relationship between China and the Philippines become stronger and more stable. It is hoped that the Philippines will understand this and promote friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, benefit the two peoples, and contribute to peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.