Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "drew a line" to provoke China? The United States and the Philippines have joined forces to threaten the hollow threat
Recently, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s public remarks have aroused widespread concern in the international community. He dared to openly "draw a red line" for China, claiming that in the event of casualties on the Philippine side in a conflict in the South China Sea, the "US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty" would be activated. This move not only exposes the position of the Marcos Jr. family, but also highlights the deep influence of the United States on the Philippines.
1. The chain of interests behind the US-Philippine collusion
As a country that has been influenced by the United States for a long time in history, the Philippines inevitably has the shadow of the United States in its political ecology. Especially on the military and diplomatic fronts, the Philippines has always had close relations with the United States. During the Aquino family, Sino-Philippine relations were strained by U.S. intervention, while under Duterte, Sino-Philippine relations eased due to his family's estrangement from the United States. Now that Marcos Jr. has come to power, his family's close ties to the United States have reinvigorated America's influence in Sino-Philippine relations.
The US military deployment to the Philippines is also an important part of its strategic layout. In the face of China's growing military strength, especially the improvement of its long-range strike capability, the United States has continuously adjusted its military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, and one of the important measures is the deployment of medium-range missile systems in the Philippines and other places. This move not only strengthens the U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region, but also poses a direct threat to China's security in the South China Sea.
2. Marcos Jr.'s "red line" rhetoric: an empty threat
Marcos Jr.'s "red line" rhetoric seems tough, but in fact it is hollow. He has tried to use the support of the United States to provoke China's rights and interests in the South China Sea, but such a move pales in the face of international law and regional rules. As the largest littoral state in the South China Sea, China has indisputable sovereign rights and interests. Any attempt to challenge China's rights and interests in the South China Sea will be met with resolute pushback.
In addition, Marcos Jr.'s remarks also ignore the balance of power between China and the United States. In key areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, China has obvious strategic advantages. Even if the United States tries to intervene, it will be difficult to change the balance of power in the region. As a result, Marcos Jr.'s threatening rhetoric is more of a political show than a substantive military action.
3. China's response: Firmly safeguard its own rights and interests
In the face of Marcos Jr.'s provocation and the U.S. military deployment, China must firmly safeguard its own rights and interests and regional stability. First, China should strengthen its military presence and defense capabilities in the South China Sea to ensure that its security is not threatened. Second, China should strengthen communication and cooperation with its neighboring countries to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. Finally, China should also make clear its position and determination to the international community through diplomatic channels, so that those countries that try to provoke China can understand China's bottom line and determination.
IV. Conclusion: Peace and cooperation are the cornerstones of regional stability
In general, Marcos Jr.'s "red line" rhetoric and US military deployment are both undermining regional peace and stability. In this complex and volatile international environment, countries should abandon the zero-sum game mentality and resolve differences and contradictions through dialogue and cooperation. Only in this way can we ensure that regional peace and stability are maintained for a long time.
As a responsible major country, China has always been committed to maintaining regional peace and stability. We are willing to work with other countries to promote regional prosperity and development. We will resolutely retaliate against those who try to provoke China. At the same time, we also hope that all countries can take a rational view of the regional situation and jointly contribute to regional peace and stability.