Recently, the Philippine president threatened that if the Philippine military is killed in the South China Sea dispute, it is time to ask the US military to intervene. I don't know who this is scaring you? The Philippine president's recent remarks have sparked heated discussions and ridicule among netizens, reflecting widespread skepticism about U.S. involvement in international affairs and its effectiveness.
Netizen: What's the use of the United States intervening? The little United States couldn't beat us 75 years ago, and it won't be wrong 75 years later!! Netizens generally believe that the U.S. intervention is unreliable and ineffective. Some commentators have mentioned that the United States failed to defeat China in the Korean War 75 years ago, suggesting that the United States is still powerless to confront it.
Netizen: Ukraine can't invite the U.S. military, Israel can't invite the U.S. military, which of these two countries has no more iron relationship than the Philippines and the United States, and it still has to resources, the Philippines has no benefits at all, only a tiger skin. Neither Ukraine nor Israel has directly sent troops to intervene in the face of major conflicts. Ukraine has not received direct military intervention in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, despite receiving significant military assistance. Israel, on the other hand, has relied more on its own military power and technological superiority to respond to threats in conflicts. These two examples illustrate that even countries with close ties to the United States cannot rely solely on U.S. military intervention at a critical moment. This makes it all the more unrealistic for the Philippines to expect direct U.S. involvement in the South China Sea dispute.
Netizen: Similar to "Daddy, he hit me!! Netizens ridiculed the Philippine president's remarks as "asking the US military to intervene", similar to the performance of "Dad, he beat me", pointing out that this behavior lacks autonomy and independence. National sovereignty and security need to be guaranteed through one's own efforts and strength, rather than relying on external forces. In the face of a complex geopolitical environment, Southeast Asian countries should focus on enhancing their overall strength, forming a favorable international environment through multilateral cooperation and diplomatic means, and reducing their dependence on a single external force.
Netizen: Does your country need to be guarded by others?
Netizen: I thought you were very tough and wanted to upgrade, but it turned out that you "invited" the US military to intervene.
When faced with the international situation, Southeast Asian countries often have the mentality that "the United States will intervene."
This way of thinking reflects their dependence on the United States as a global hegemon. However, there are actually many risks and pitfalls associated with this dependence. First of all, Southeast Asian countries must understand that their own national strength is the most important guarantee, and they cannot rely solely on external forces.
The involvement of the United States is conditional
U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia is usually based on its own interests. Although the United States often emphasizes the stance of "maintaining regional security" and "protecting its allies," its involvement is often highly selective and conditional in terms of specific actions. If the situation in a certain Southeast Asian country is not directly related to the core interests of the United States, the United States may have very limited support or even no involvement. Therefore, it is extremely unsafe to expect the United States to provide security guarantees, which is tantamount to entrusting one's own fate to others.
From a historical perspective, U.S. involvement has indeed had mixed consequences in many countries, some of which have even been plunged into prolonged turmoil and recession. The Vietnam War is a prime example of the Cold War-era intervention of the United States. The United States supported the South Vietnamese government against North Vietnam and the Viet Cong, however, after years of war, the United States eventually withdrew its troops and the South Vietnamese regime collapsed. The war not only led to a large number of casualties and social unrest, but also caused serious damage to Vietnam's economy and infrastructure. In 2003, the United States launched the Iraq War, overthrowing the regime of Saddam Hussein. Although the United States won a military victory in the early stages of the war, Iraq was plunged into a long period of turmoil, sectarian strife, rampant terrorism, and difficulties in rebuilding the country. The aftermath of the war continues to affect the political and social fabric of Iraq today.
U.S. promises are not reliable
Historical experience shows that the attitude and policy of the United States in international affairs tend to change with the change of government and the change of strategic focus. At some critical moments, the United States may change its policy toward a certain country or region because of the adjustment of its own interests. For example, the U.S. performance in the Vietnam War and the war in Afghanistan suggests that it may prioritize withdrawal or reduce engagement when faced with a difficult situation. This uncertainty makes dependence on the United States extremely dangerous.
Develop multilateral relations and cooperation
Southeast Asian countries should develop multilateral relations, actively participate in regional and international organizations, and enhance their influence through diplomatic means and economic cooperation. For example, through the platform of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Southeast Asian countries can collectively engage in dialogue and cooperation with China to form a collective security mechanism. In addition, establishing cooperative relations with other major powers such as the European Union, Japan, India, etc., can also help to gain more support and balance power in international affairs.
Improving autonomous defense capabilities
Strengthening our national defense capability is the foundation for safeguarding national security. Southeast Asian countries should devote more resources to national defense construction, improve the level of military technology, strengthen national defense education, and enhance the national security awareness of their citizens. At the same time, through military cooperation and joint exercises with other countries, the actual combat capability and cooperative combat capability of the troops will be enhanced.
In addition to military strength, economic and technological development is also an important aspect of enhancing national strength. A country with a strong economy is more influential in the international arena and can achieve its national security and diplomatic goals through economic means. Scientific and technological progress can not only enhance military strength, but also promote economic development and social progress. Therefore, Southeast Asian countries should pay attention to economic diversification and scientific and technological innovation to enhance their comprehensive national strength.
In the end, a country's security and development must rely on its own strength. Military strength, economic strength, scientific and technological level, and social stability are all important components of a country's comprehensive strength. If these aspects are effectively developed and promoted, then the status and voice of the state in international affairs will naturally be enhanced. They can also respond more confidently and effectively in the face of external threats or challenges.
In general, Southeast Asian countries should recognize the importance of relying on their own strength and not rely too much on external forces, especially the United States. Only by enhancing our own strength, developing multilateral relations, and enhancing our independent national defense capability can we remain invincible in the face of international challenges. Only in this way can the countries of South-East Asia truly achieve lasting peace and stability.