The Philippines is an archipelagic nation located in Southeast Asia and has complex territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.
In recent years, the Philippines' attitude towards the South China Sea has undergone a series of changes, from the tough confrontation under former President Benigno Aquino III, to the conciliatory posture of current President Rodrigo Duterte, to the recent renewed tensions. Behind these changes, it reflects the tug-of-war and struggle between different interest groups and political factions in the Philippines, as well as the game and balance between China and the United States.
The cause of the infighting in the Philippines: the contradiction between economy and security
The root cause of the infighting in the Philippines lies in the contradiction between economy and security. On the one hand, the economic development of the Philippines is inseparable from the market and investment of China, which is the largest trading partner of the Philippines and the largest source of foreign tourists, and an important partner of the Philippines in infrastructure construction. Some pragmatic politicians and business people in the Philippines recognize the importance of maintaining friendly cooperation with China and are unwilling to harm the economic interests of the two countries because of the South China Sea issue.
President Rodrigo Duterte, for example, has said that he does not want a war with China, but rather hopes to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation, while strengthening cooperation between the two countries in trade, investment, infrastructure, tourism, and other fields. Duterte has also publicly criticized the unfair treatment of the Philippines by the United States, and even threatened to sever diplomatic and military relations with the United States.
On the other hand, the security of the Philippines also needs to take into account the factors of the United States, which is a traditional ally and security guarantor of the Philippines, and the two countries have long-term military cooperation and mutual trust. Some conservative politicians and nationalists in the Philippines believe that the Philippines should insist on its sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea, and should not compromise or make concessions to China, but should use the power of the United States to balance China's influence, and even provoke and put pressure on China.
For example, former Philippine Foreign Secretary Roxy has repeatedly criticized China's South China Sea policy in international forums and called on the United States and other countries to impose sanctions and punishments on China. Roxy has also filed a lawsuit asking the Philippine government to enforce the 2016 arbitral tribunal's award, otherwise it would be unconstitutional and treasonous.
These two different voices have created a polarized situation in the Philippines, leading to a series of infighting and conflicts. For example, in March this year, Philippine Foreign Secretary Locsin tweeted an insulting remark against China, sparking a diplomatic storm between China and the Philippines.
And just before Locsin's tweet, President Duterte had just said that he would not sever diplomatic relations with China because of the South China Sea issue, but would maintain friendly relations between the two countries. This glaring internal divide has made the Philippines' foreign policy seem confusing and inconsistent, and it has also confused and uneasy the Chinese side.
The impact of infighting in the Philippines: undermining its own interests and regional stability
The result of the infighting in the Philippines has not only harmed the Philippines' own interests, but also affected peace and stability in the South China Sea. On the one hand, the infighting in the Philippines has deprived the Philippines of the opportunity to cooperate with China and missed the opportunity for development. China is an important partner of the Philippines, as well as an advocate and promoter of the foreign trade initiative, and maintaining good relations with China is of great significance to the economic development of the Philippines.
If the Philippines confronts China over the South China Sea issue, it will not only affect trade and investment between the two countries, but also affect cooperation between the two countries in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, fisheries, and even in the fight against the pandemic and economic recovery. All these will have a negative impact on the livelihood and development of the Philippines and make the Philippine people suffer.
China's response strategy: take a firm stance, promote dialogue, and deepen cooperation
In the face of infighting in the Philippines, China should take a firm stand and safeguard its sovereignty and rights and interests. China's position on the South China Sea issue is clear and consistent, that is, it adheres to the principle of upholding China's sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea on the basis of history and international law, opposes unilateral actions and external interference by any country, advocates the settlement of disputes through peaceful means and bilateral negotiations, promotes the establishment of an effective maritime cooperation mechanism, and maintains peace and stability in the South China Sea.
China will not change its position and policy because of differences and changes within the Philippines, nor will it give in or back down because of provocations and pressure from the Philippines, but will resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests, take necessary defensive and countermeasure measures, safeguard national sovereignty and dignity, and maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
China has always maintained that the South China Sea issue should be resolved through friendly consultations and negotiations among the countries directly concerned, and should not allow any third party to interfere or interfere. China is willing to work with the Philippines and other littoral countries in the South China Sea to properly handle differences, manage risks, enhance mutual trust and seek common interests through dialogue and consultation based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, and seeking common ground while reserving differences.
China is also willing to work with the Philippines and other littoral countries in the South China Sea to resolve relevant disputes through bilateral negotiations without involving territorial sovereignty, and at the same time to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea through the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, and promote consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, so as to create favorable conditions for the final settlement of the South China Sea issue.
epilogue
The internal strife in the Philippines is an important aspect of the South China Sea issue and an important influencing factor in the South China Sea issue. The cause of the infighting in the Philippines lies in the contradiction between economy and security, and the impact of the infighting in the Philippines is to harm its own interests and regional stability.
It is hoped that the Philippines will have a clear understanding of the situation, treat the South China Sea issue rationally, and work with China and other coastal countries in the South China Sea to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, jointly promote cooperation and development in the South China Sea, and jointly build a community with a shared future in the South China Sea.