On the chessboard of international relations, promises are often seen as the bond that binds order together. However, when the promise becomes a bargaining chip in a strategy game, its authenticity is questioned. Recently, the U.S. State Department issued a statement on China's law enforcement actions in the waters near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal, prompting a re-examination of the meaning of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
The treaty, signed between the United States and the Philippines, is said to be on a higher level than NATO's mutual defense treaty. But the lens of history reveals a suspicious reality: the United States seems to see similar security commitments as passports around the world, and these so-called guarantees are not always honored. This situation can't help but be reminiscent of a scumbag-like behavior, leaving a place of promise, but no trace of its fulfillment. And the countries that have high hopes for the United States are stuck in a dream, believing in promises that may never be fulfilled.
Looking back at the missile incident in Poland on November 15 last year, we can see the attitude of the United States in responding to the international crisis. At that time, U.S. President Joe Biden, who was attending the meeting, urgently convened the G7 countries to discuss countermeasures. Although the facts are not yet clear, Biden has already hastily come to the conclusion that the missiles did not come from Russia. This judgment led directly to a 180-degree shift in the position of the Polish government, which almost put it in an embarrassing position.
However, this incident is not an isolated case. In the following December, and in April of this year, Poland again discovered the wreckage of the missile in its territory and confirmed its origin as Russian. However, given the way previous events were handled, the Polish government chose to remain silent this time, and the United States seemed to turn a blind eye to this. So repeatedly, those solemn treaties have become dead in name, false and vulnerable, waiting only for the moment when the truth will be revealed.
As an important player on the international stage, China has a deep insight into these developments. Before possible future upheaval, it is necessary for China to lift the veil of American whitewashing. This is not only for their own benefit, but also to make all countries realize that the so-called mutual defense treaty does not really guarantee their security. The best strategy to ensure your own safety is to remain vigilant and not to get involved easily.
Ultimately, this contest of trust and commitment hints at a profound truth: in the game of power, there are no absolute protectors, and each country must be responsible for its own security. After all, in the law of the jungle of realpolitik, if even the master may be attacked, how can the small partners who depend on him ensure that they are not implicated? This is an unavoidable question, and it is also a reality that every country must face squarely.