On December 25, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning held a regular press conference. At the meeting, a Reuters reporter asked about the Philippines' repeated violations of rights and provocations in relevant waters of the South China Sea, spreading false information, and colluding with foreign forces to undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea. Are China and the Philippines ready for a new round of talks, and how does China view the risk of armed conflict at sea between the two sides?
In this regard, Mao Ning said that China's determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering. For some time now, the Philippines has frequently provoked incidents by using issues such as Ren'ai Jiao and enlisted the intervention of foreign forces, and China has no choice but to take necessary measures to resolutely respond. At the same time, China's door to dialogue is always open, and it is willing to properly handle maritime issues with the Philippine side through negotiation and consultation. It is hoped that the Philippine side will pull back from the precipice and not go further and further down the wrong path.
The most noteworthy thing in this response is nothing more than the four-word "rein in the precipice," which is relatively rare in the mainland's diplomatic rhetoric. In February, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken used the term when he spread erroneous remarks about Taiwan. At that time, China-US relations had reached the bottom, and the US side repeatedly provoked China's red line to provoke such a harsh response.
The literal meaning of the precipice is to turn back in time when you reach the edge of danger. In the diplomatic rhetoric, it can be roughly understood as exhorting the other side to "consider the consequences before making a decision," which is basically the same as what Foreign Minister Wang Yi said not long ago, "China-Philippines relations are at a crossroads," and the warning is quite clear! More severe wording than this, probably only "don't say anything unpredictable," which means "as long as you dare to move, I will dare to fight"!
And when it comes to "don't say it in advance", in addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, another character who said this with a lot of weight also spoke. At the same time as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Daily also published an article signed by "Zhong Sheng" entitled "Provocative Acts in the South China Sea Ignoring China's Goodwill and Restraint Are Extremely Dangerous".
"Zhongsheng" is one of the pen names of the People's Daily, which is dedicated to making important comments on the international situation. Looking at his past speeches, it can almost be regarded as the initial tone of public opinion before the mainland takes major moves with the outside world. For example, what happened after he said "don't say it in advance" in history, I think all military fans understand.
Moreover, as soon as the article came up, it was straight to the point in large font: "If the Philippine side misjudges the situation, insists on going its own way, or even colludes with foreign forces with ill intentions and continues to cause chaos, China will defend its rights in accordance with the law and resolutely respond" -- exactly what Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a phone call with Philippine Foreign Minister Manaro on December 20!
That is to say, we have already said the same thing twice, and the Chinese have always paid attention to self-defense and counterattack, that is, "nothing more than three". After two rounds, it shows that the attitude is resolute and the stance is firm, and the Philippine side had better understand it. You know, our warnings aren't just verbal.
According to the WeChat official account of the "South China Sea Fleet," the 022 missile boat has recently begun training exercises in the South China Sea, and it is a live ammunition fire! This further shows our army's determination to safeguard national interests. It's low-key, but it's actually a lot of cruelty. After all, 022 has a "thin" physique, his body can't collide with each other, and he only has a "pistol" that kills him, what else do you say?
To sum up, the current tense situation in the South China Sea and China's patience with the Philippines are gradually running out. Although the situation is grim, there is still a chance to turn back. As long as Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not become a tool of the United States and considers the Philippines' own interests, it can be negotiated in any way, which can be regarded as a demonstration of China's last restraint.
If the Philippines insists on going all the way to the bottom and forcibly escalates the situation to the level of "not saying anything in advance," then only "thunderous means can show the bodhisattva's heart," and the possibility of a conflict breaking out will be greatly increased! I am afraid that the Philippines will not be able to bear this price.
Even if the United States claims that the "US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty" applies to the South China Sea? It is a matter of China's core interests, and it does not make a difference even if the US imperialists personally go into battle, and it is not that they have not fought before. What's more, when it really gets to that point, it will most likely find its own stairs. After all, at a time when the little Houthis are targeting Israel, which has made the Red Sea Pheasant uneasy, and the US imperialists are still acting submissively, how can they believe that they are willing to stick a knife in the Philippines' ribs?