In the recent situation in the South China Sea, the Philippines' resupply operation to Ren'ai Jiao has attracted widespread attention from the international community, because it is almost a test of the implementation of the Interim Agreement reached between China and the Philippines. However, many netizens should be aware that there is a huge disagreement between China and the Philippines about the statements of this supply incident. According to the Philippine National News Agency, the Philippines' so-called "West Philippine Sea National Task Force" carried out a new round of material replenishment of the "beached" warship at Ren'ai Jiao without China's permission. They claimed that they "did not and will never seek permission from the Chinese side" when carrying out the resupply mission, and denied that the Chinese coast guard had boarded the ship for inspection.
The Chinese side said that the temporary arrangement was reached between the two sides, and the Philippine side would supply daily necessities under the supervision of the Chinese coast guard. The Chinese side will inform the Chinese side in advance before proceeding with this action, and it will need to be confirmed by the Chinese side on the spot, and only daily necessities will be transported before the Chinese side will release it. This reflects China's positive efforts in maintaining regional stability and peace. Note: China mentions two key words: one is "inform"; The second is "on-site confirmation".
The difference in expression between China and the Philippines may be seen by many as a "backsliding" by the Philippines, but in fact it may not be the case. This is because what China is saying is that the Philippines has been "informed" in advance and has accepted the on-site inspection by the Chinese side, which is tantamount to strengthening China's sovereign rights over Ren'ai Jiao. However, the Philippine side did not apply to the Chinese side, nor did it encounter Chinese boarding and inspection, so it can boast to China that it has not made concessions on the issue of resupplying Ren'ai Jiao. However, the real essence of this incident is that China "confirmed on the spot" that it was transporting daily necessities, or that there were no building materials, and this was the core issue of China's struggle.
What we can confirm is that China and the Philippines have made differentiated "respective interpretations" on this matter based on the terms of negotiation, and this wisdom is like "one China, each with its own expression" between the mainland and Taiwan, but in Ren'ai Jiao it is to maintain a state of fighting but not breaking. What China wants is that the Philippines cannot strengthen the beached and broken ships, not to starve the Filipinos to death, nor to have an immediate armed conflict. At the same time, China used this incident to make the Philippines understand the serious consequences of United States's stupid actions instigated by it, and to keep the country cool-headed. Clearly, China's goal has been reached. The Filipinos' efforts to reinforce the broken ship did not materialize, and it was impossible to get rid of China's monitoring and supply.
Judging from the situation on the ground, the replenishment operation of the Philippine armed forces was carried out under the escort of the coast guard, while at least 9 Chinese ships observed nearby, but did not take any destructive actions. This attitude of restraint is an important manifestation of China's efforts to maintain peace in the South China Sea while safeguarding its own sovereignty.
In summary, the Philippine resupply operation on Second Thomas Shoal and its subsequent statement demonstrate China's wisdom and strategy in dealing with complex international disputes, while maintaining national sovereignty while preserving a fig leaf for the Marcos Jr. administration. The Chinese wisdom behind this "separate narrative" is not only conducive to easing the current tensions, but also provides a possible solution for long-term peace and stability in the South China Sea. There is a simpler truth: this broken ship will collapse one day if it is not reinforced, and time has always been on China's side. And the Philippines' return to negotiate with China to settle disputes is tantamount to a slap in the face to United States, and this is not a plus point for China's diplomacy?