Mr. Brawner, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, expressed positive remarks about the U.S.-Philippine joint patrol, which he believes is expected to strengthen the strong alliance between the two countries. It is worth noting that on January 3, 2024, the United States announced that the fleet led by the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is conducting a two-day military training event with the Philippine Navy.
In recent years, as disputes in the South China Sea have intensified, the United States and the Philippines have once again joined forces to carry out joint patrol plans, which has aroused concern and dissatisfaction on the part of China. China has made clear its resolute opposition to this, and has clearly emphasized its determination and strength to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and ensure peace and stability in the South China Sea. It is worth noting that although former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos had previously expressed the expectation that the Qiongzhou Strait issue could be resolved through self-negotiation within the framework of ASEAN, this time it was a joint patrol operation with the United States, which shows that the country's approach to South China Sea affairs is not aimed at working with China, but more inclined to rely on the United States to achieve the set goals.
Mr. Brawner said that this second joint patrol will be an important step in maintaining the friendship between the United States and the Philippines and further promote cooperation and exchanges between the two sides. He then reiterated the Philippines' ability and confidence to work with its neighbors to build peace and stability in the region, and firmly opposes any bad behavior that leads to disputes in the South China Sea.
Recently, Philippine media revealed that the Philippine and US militaries jointly launched a two-day military Xi exercise, and the joint patrol operation was carried out against the background of the US dispatch of the aircraft carrier "Carl Vinson" into the South China Sea. Through this cooperation, the two sides look forward to deepening their military cooperation and enhancing their ability to respond to maritime security challenges. In addition, it is interesting to note that the Philippines also wants to invite other countries to participate in military operations in the South China Sea.
Respecting expert advice, we found that joint U.S.-Philippine patrols could exacerbate tensions between China and the Philippines and make the situation in the South China Sea even worse. However, China is rock solid in defending its rights and interests and regional peace and stability in the South China Sea. We are convinced that with the joint efforts of all parties, China has the strong strength to work with the Philippines and its partners to maintain regional peace.
Recently, the joint patrol of the United States and the Philippines has become the focus of attention from all walks of life. Some fear that the move could spark resentment in China and escalate tensions in the South China Sea. However, China firmly believes in its principles and firmly opposes the patrol in order to safeguard its core national interests and regional peace and stability. Many people are very concerned about the situation of this patrol. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Marcos originally said he would like to deal with the dispute on Second Thomas Shoal independently, but later joined forces with the United States. Clearly, its real need in the South China Sea is not to seek cooperation with China, but to rely more on U.S. support to achieve its own goals. However, China has long expressed its firm determination to safeguard national sovereignty and stability in the South China Sea. Readers are invited to actively participate in the discussion and share your views and thoughts on this matter.
Dear readers, we hope that you will give us your valuable comments and share your unique insights on the joint patrol incident between the United States and the Philippines. In your opinion, how will this joint patrol change the status quo in the South China Sea?