Ren'ai Jiao is back in turmoil: Chinese research ships are quietly deepening, Philippine warships are beached and watching, and the situation in the South China Sea is delicate
In the vast expanse of the South China Sea, every drop of water on Ren'ai Jiao seems to contain complex international political games. Recently, a calm and firm action by a Chinese scientific research ship has once again pushed this sea area to the forefront of public opinion.
In the early morning of April 21, the sun shone on the waves of the South China Sea, shining golden. At this moment, the "Hai Survey 3301" survey vessel of the South China Sea Bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources of China, as well as two fishery guidance vessels of Yuexia Fishing Index 20027 and 20030, quietly appeared in the waters of 1,000 yards west of Ren'ai Jiao. Their goal is clear and firm: to carry out normal scientific expeditions.
As the research ship slowly approached, four work boats and two rigid inflatable boats jumped into the sea lightly like seagulls spreading their wings. Scientists are busy sampling seawater, recording every tiny piece of data. However, this calm picture of scientific research was broken by a Philippine beached warship.
This Philippine warship has long become a "scenery" on Ren'ai Jiao. It has been beached here for years, like a stubborn nail trying to drive into China's sovereign waters. And this time, when China's scientific research fleet appeared, the warship actually sent two small boats to sail in the direction of the scientific research ship.
The footage at the scene was shocking. The Philippine dinghy almost rubbed shoulders with the Chinese workboats, and was only a few dozen centimeters away at the closest point. This kind of behavior bordering on provocation is undoubtedly a serious provocation to China's sovereignty. However, Chinese scientists were unaffected by this atmosphere and continued their work as if everything was under control.
The Philippine response was also swift and intense. They claim that Chinese research ships have entered their "territory" and are trying to create momentum through the media and international opinion. However, such a move pales in the face of facts and the law. Ren'ai Jiao has been China's sacred territory since ancient times, and China has the right to conduct any form of scientific expedition here.
This incident once again highlights the delicate and complex nature of the situation in the South China Sea. The Philippines has tried to show its "presence" by means of beaching warships and monitoring in small boats, but such actions will only make the international community see its true face more clearly. China, on the other hand, has demonstrated to the world its determination and ability to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests through the resolute actions of its research vessels.
In the face of the provocation of the Philippines and the covert support of the United States, China needs to take more decisive and effective measures to safeguard its interests. Reclamation of islands from the sea is undoubtedly a means that is not only in line with international law, but also can effectively solve the problem of Ren'ai Jiao.
Unlike Mischief Reef, Second Thomas Reef does not require large-scale reclamation. It is only necessary to focus on the sea area around the Philippine warship to turn this sea area into land. At that time, China could set up a garrison on the newly reclaimed land and strengthen its control over Second Thomas Shoal. And the Philippine warships, due to the loss of water support, will no longer be able to carry out the transportation of personnel and materials. In this way, China will be able to resolve the Ren'ai Jiao issue once and for all in a short period of time.
Of course, such an operation requires careful and careful planning. China needs to fully consider all possible risks and challenges, and formulate corresponding response strategies. At the same time, it is also necessary to strengthen communication and coordination with the international community to seek more support and understanding.
Although the situation in the South China Sea is complex and volatile, China has always been steadfast in safeguarding its sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. Whether it is through the resolute actions of research ships or the resolute measures of reclamation and island reclamation, China will take concrete actions to defend its interests and dignity. We look forward to the early arrival of peace and stability in the South China Sea.