Recently, at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a war of words over the South China Sea unexpectedly ensued.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. openly provoked China at the meeting, not only warning China not to cross his so-called "red line" in the South China Sea, but also mentioning the word "war" in a big way.
This begs the question, is President Marcos Jr. trying to play with fire or self-immolation?
According to the global network, two Philippine coast guard vessels have been illegally stranded in the Xianbin Reef lagoon for up to 45 days, a move very similar to the Philippines' use of dilapidated landing ships to beached in the reef.
It seems that the Philippines is trying to make a big fuss about the South China Sea issue this time, but the Chinese military is clearly not going to let them succeed.
In the face of Marcos Jr.'s provocation, the PLA delegation responded strongly.
Lieutenant General He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Sciences, made it clear at the meeting: "China resolutely opposes the interference and interference of foreign countries in the settlement of the South China Sea issue. These remarks are not only a warning to Marcos Jr., but also a solemn statement to the United States and other foreign forces.
It is worth mentioning that the China Coast Guard has stepped up its maritime enforcement and patrol efforts in the waters near Ren'ai Reef and Xianbin Reef.
A number of foreign bloggers pointed out on social media that in the South China Sea, the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia vessels continue to confront the Philippine coast guard at Xianbin Reef and Ren'ai Shoal, and China has never backed down.
The word "war" in Marcos Jr.'s mouth is probably just his wishful thinking.
The Chinese military's position on the South China Sea issue is firm and clear, that is, to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will not allow any external forces to interfere.
If the Philippines really wants to provoke or even go to war, then they are probably miscalculated.
Today's China is no longer the China that was slaughtered by others in the past.
Our maritime power is no longer what it used to be, and we are fully capable and determined to defend our rights and interests. If the Philippines has to take the road of invasion and confrontation, then China will have no choice but to accompany it to the end.
Finally, I would like to say that the South China Sea is China's South China Sea, and any attempt to change this fact will be futile.
Marcos Jr.'s provocations will only lead him to further isolation, and China's position and determination on the South China Sea issue will not change.
Let's wait and see who will have the last laugh!