Editor|Wen Changxing
Text: Wen Changxing
Recently, the Philippine Foreign Minister Manaro is really a joke! Before, he was still pouring dirty water on China's face, jumping up and down to provoke China.
Results now. Oh, this Philippine government is really a typical representative of "crossing the river and demolishing bridges"!
We all know that since Marcos Jr. came to power, this guy wants to turn the Philippines into a "Marcos", especially on the South China Sea issue, he completely abandoned the stability policy of his predecessor Duterte, and instead chose to provoke China and want to highlight his tough image on the South China Sea issue. As a result, for more than a year, the Philippines has been causing trouble for China in the South China Sea!
However, this kind of "rogue" behavior finally met with a "curse" after China's new coast guard regulations. Seeing that his "small actions" could no longer continue to stir up nonsense, the Philippines was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot, shouting everywhere that it wanted to negotiate with China. Wow, isn't this a typical "first provoked others, but as a result, they suffered a loss, and now they want to please the other party"?
In fact, the history of this South China Sea dispute dates back to the 70s of the last century. At that time, with the continuous development of the law of the sea, the sovereignty dispute over islands in the South China Sea became increasingly complex. As one of the coastal countries, the Philippines has been actively involved in it from the very beginning, and has put forward its own claims many times. However, it was not until 2016 that the Philippines achieved a "victory" to some extent through the arbitration case.
But as many analysts have pointed out, even if the Philippines wins the arbitration in name only, it will be a dead letter. This is because China has never recognized the ruling and still insists on its claims in the South China Sea. As a result, after Marcos Jr. came to power, the Philippine government chose to continue to provoke China, in a vain attempt to "coerce" China on the South China Sea issue with the help of the United States.
However, contrary to expectations, China's recent coast guard law not only effectively protects national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, but also casts a shadow on the "reliance on foreign support" strategy on which some small countries rely for their survival. Especially for the Philippines, this is undoubtedly a slap in the face. This "small boat", which was originally arrogant, has now completely become a "lonely boat".
Just when the Philippines had to pay the price for its "rogues", Foreign Minister Manaro finally realized that it would not be good for his country to continue like this. As a result, he quickly changed his attitude, hoping to ease tensions with China through dialogue.
Still, you know what? Even if the Philippines wants to negotiate with China now, it should not expect China to make it easier for him. After all, in the South China Sea, China and the Philippines have disputes in many waters, the most sharp of which is the wrecked ship trapped on Ren'ai Jiao and a series of provocations by Philippine ships at Scarborough Shoal.
Now that the Philippines has taken the initiative to "woo" the United States and seek some benefits in the South China Sea, they should no longer want to be "forgiven" by China after China's drastic move.
To put it bluntly, the situation in the South China Sea is tense, and the eyes of the whole world are on China, and if China blindly retreats and behaves "friendly", it is easy to be seen as "bullied". Moreover, since it has reached this point, China's strength is there, and the legal basis is there, why should China let this "little brother" continue to bully itself? If you want me to say, this knife raised by China must fall fiercely!
Therefore, if the Philippines really wants to negotiate with China, it must first show some sincerity, such as being willing to tow away the wrecked ship trapped in Ren'ai Jiao, or promising not to cause trouble in Scarborough Shoal and other waters again.
Otherwise, don't expect China to show mercy, what else to talk about? A guy who is a "scoundrel", what are you talking about!
What's more, behind this South China Sea dispute, there is a deeper geopolitical game at play. It is clear that the Philippines, as an "Asian ally" of the United States, has been trying to use American power to counter China's dominance in the South China Sea. But now, China's growing economic power and the introduction of the coast guard law have completely disrupted the Philippines' calculations.
For China, the South China Sea issue is not only about national sovereignty and territorial integrity, but also about China's strategic position in the region. In the face of external pressure and provocations, China cannot back down and must firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
I believe that as long as China continues to maintain its strategic focus and continuously strengthen its own strength, it will be able to win in this "dragon battle".
Sources:
1. Global Times - "Philippine Foreign Minister Admits Change of Attitude in the South China Sea, Expert: China's Coast Guard Law Makes the Philippines Dare Not Play Rogue Again"
2. Xinhua News Agency - "The Philippines Seeks Dialogue with China, Expert: China Will Not Back Down Easily"
3. China Daily - "After Marcos Jr. took office, the Philippines' South China Sea policy made a sharp turn, experts: provoking China will eventually reap the consequences"
4. People's Daily - "The Philippines wants to negotiate with China, experts: China will not let go of the knife lightly"
5. Nanfang Daily - "China and the Philippines Escalate the South China Sea Game Expert: The Philippines Must Show Sincerity Before Talking"