Ren'ai Jiao, located in the central part of the South China Sea, is part of China's Nansha Islands and China's inherent territory. However, the Philippines has always had ulterior motives against Second Thomas Shoal, trying to illegally occupy and control this part of China's waters. Not long ago, Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro even smeared China, claiming that a number of Chinese ships had entered Ren'ai Jiao, which had put tremendous pressure on the Philippines.
He also falsely claimed that the Philippines should drive the ships away, but in the face of China's vast maritime power, it would be very difficult to do so. These remarks undoubtedly exposed the Philippines' greed and incompetence towards Ren'ai Jiao, and also appealed to the international community for help and crying. So what is the purpose of the Chinese vessels entering Ren'ai Jiao, and how likely is it that the Philippines' attempt at Ren'ai Jiao will be realized?
Chinese vessels entered Second Thomas Shoal to protect the legitimate rights and interests of fishermen
Ren'ai Jiao is China's inherent territory, and China has indisputable sovereignty and jurisdiction over Ren'ai Jiao and its surrounding waters. Chinese fishermen's fishing activities in the waters of Ren'ai Jiao are legal, legitimate, historical and in accordance with international law. However, the Philippines has been harassing and threatening Chinese fishermen, and even using force, resulting in serious damage to the lives, property and safety of Chinese fishermen.
In order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese fishermen, the Chinese government has sent a number of vessels to Ren'ai Jiao to provide necessary support and protection to Chinese fishermen. These vessels, including coast guard vessels, navy vessels, fishery administration vessels, civilian vessels, etc., are performing their duties and obligations, and do not have any intention or behavior to infringe on the Philippines. On the contrary, it is precisely the illegal occupation and provocation of the Philippines that is the root cause and culprit of the tension in the waters of Ren'ai Jiao.
The Philippines' attempt at Second Thomas Shoal has failed and is in despair
The Philippines' attempt at Ren'ai Jiao is very obvious, that is, it wants to illegally occupy and control this part of China's waters, so as to expand its territory and maritime rights and interests. In order to achieve this goal, the Philippines has adopted three means: first, it has built a dilapidated warship on Second Thomas Shoal, trying to use it as a symbol and stronghold of occupation;
Second, they wantonly slander China in the international community in an attempt to gain sympathy and support; third, at the instigation of the United States, Japan, and other countries, they try to use it as a bargaining chip to contain and challenge China. However, all three of these methods have proven to be futile, even counterproductive. First of all, the Philippine warships on Second Thomas Shoal, already surrounded and isolated by China's maritime power, could be towed away or disintegrated at any time, becoming a pile of scrap metal.
Second, the slander of the Philippines in the international community has been refuted and debunked by China's facts and reasons, and has not been recognized and supported by any justice and fairness. Finally, the Philippines, instigated by the United States, Japan and other countries, has been deterred and warned by China's determination and capabilities, and has not received any effective and reliable protection and assistance. Therefore, the Philippines' attempt at Second Thomas Shoal has failed and is falling into despair.
How should China respond to the provocations and slander of the Philippines
In the face of provocation and slander by the Philippines, China should adopt a steady and step-by-step strategy, resolutely safeguarding its sovereignty and rights and interests, and avoiding unnecessary conflict and escalation. Specifically, China should do the following: First, on the basis of controlling the waters of Ren'ai Jiao, it should tighten its control over the reef step by step. Now that the first step has been taken for fishing boats to enter Ren'ai Jiao, the next step is to try to catalyze the early disintegration of beached and broken boats, and then it will be logical to control Ren'ai Jiao.
Second, in the international community, we should actively publicize and explain our own positions and policies, expose and refute the lies and slanders of the Philippines, and strive for more understanding and support. Third, in relations with the United States, Japan and other countries, we should not only maintain communication and dialogue, but also make clear our bottom line and determination, and prevent them from interfering in and meddling in the South China Sea issue, let alone using the Philippines to provoke and undermine China's peace and stability.
epilogue
China firmly defends its sovereignty over Ren'ai Jiao and resolutely retaliates against the Philippines' illegal attempts. Under international pressure, the Philippines' plot has clearly failed, and its unreasonable accusations against China have been exposed. China will adopt a prudent strategy to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea and prevent external forces from fomenting disputes. In the struggle of public opinion, China has smashed the lies of the Philippines with facts and morality, and has demonstrated its image as a responsible major country. China will continue to resolutely defend its national interests, maintain peace in the South China Sea and ensure regional tranquility.