[Easing in the South China Sea: China Remains Silent, Strengthens Cooperation with ASEAN]
The recent change in the Philippines' attitude on the South China Sea issue has attracted widespread attention. The Philippines originally thought that provoking China could get the vigilance and support of other countries, but the result was unexpected, and China strengthened cooperation with other ASEAN countries, which put pressure on the Philippines.
On August 7, the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a stern response to the groundless accusations and malicious provocations made by the United States. However, instead of taking China's statement to heart, the Philippines has taken tough measures to create tensions. China realizes that the Philippines is not really sincere, but is trying to provoke China and create opportunities for the United States to intervene in the South China Sea.
In order to defuse the crisis, China has chosen to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries. China sent Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit three Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia. Wang Yi accused the United States of stirring up right and wrong in the South China Sea, which was recognized by Malaysia. Wang Yi met with Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Tan Liuguang, and the two sides also discussed the South China Sea issue. In addition, Brunei's ambassador to China also expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation with China.
Such actions clearly put pressure on the Philippines. The Philippines originally hoped that other countries would confront China, but now it sees a consensus between China and ASEAN countries, which is unbearable for the Philippines. As a result, the Philippines began to adjust its attitude and appointed a "special envoy to China" to express its willingness to promote bilateral relations with China. The Philippine foreign minister also said at a hearing that China and the Philippines have not entered a "state of war" and remain committed to resolving the issue through diplomatic means. Although the Philippines still has some tough positions on the South China Sea issue, it has shown a softening of its attitude compared with before.
However, the US media continues to sow discord. After the news of the appointment of a "Chinese special envoy" in the Philippines, the US media hyped up Locsin's tough remarks on China in an attempt to hint at the true intention of the Philippines' move. In addition, US media used commercial satellite photos as a basis to claim that China is building new facilities on islands in the South China Sea in an attempt to sow discord between China and Vietnam. China is strongly dissatisfied with this, pointing out that China Construction Island is China's inherent territory and China's construction on the island is legal.
China expresses strong dissatisfaction with the actions of the United States and calls on the United States to stop its double standards and petty actions on the South China Sea issue and not to provoke incidents and conflicts. At the same time, China hopes that Vietnam will respect China's sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, oppose interference by foreign forces, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
China is committed to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. It is hoped that relevant countries can understand China's painstaking efforts and work together to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.
(The above views are purely personal views and are for reference only)
