The Philippines' tough stance on the South China Sea issue has once again pushed this sea area to the forefront of public opinion. What are the strategic considerations?
Perhaps it can be traced back to 1999, when a Philippine landing ship named "Sierra Madre" anchored at Ren'ai Jiao permanently in an almost dramatic way
In 2022, Typhoon "Pabuk" raged, pushing the already dilapidated warship into a deeper predicament, and the Philippines tried to tow it back, but repeatedly failed due to severe damage to the hull, and Chinese warships and coast guard ships appeared near Ren'ai Jiao to block the transportation of Philippine supplies
In the face of China's actions, the Philippines took a seemingly tough posture, claiming that Ren'ai Jiao does not belong to China, but history and legal theory pointed in another direction, in the early Han Dynasty, Ren'ai Jiao appeared on the Chinese fishermen's civil navigation charts, the map of the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was clearly marked its location, and the governments of the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China also clearly declared their sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea
Behind the toughness of the Philippines, is it courage or bluff? China has an absolute advantage in terms of economy, science and technology, and military strength, and the Philippines' confidence seems to come more from illusions about external forces and misjudgment of China's restraint attitude
China's restraint in the South China Sea is based on overall and long-term considerations, and regional stability, international public opinion, economic interests, and China-US relations are all factors that China has to be cautious about
The South China Sea is an important sea passage connecting the Pacific Ocean and the India Ocean, and is also the lifeline of many countries, maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is in the common interests of all countries in the region, China has always been committed to developing friendly and cooperative relations with ASEAN countries, and does not want the South China Sea issue to undermine regional stability
In the current complex international environment, China needs to exercise restraint and refrain from creating excuses for Western countries to internationalize the South China Sea issue and bring greater uncertainty to the regional situation
Maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea is conducive to safeguarding China's economic interests and creating favorable conditions for the common development of countries in the region
China-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world today, and the South China Sea issue is a sensitive point in China-US relations
The Philippines' hardline attitude is largely based on the illusion of support for United States, and will United States really clash head-on with China for Philippine interests? The answer is probably no, in the context of the Sino-US game, United States prefer to use the Philippines as a pawn to contain China's development, rather than easily getting themselves into direct confrontation with China
China will continue to adhere to its position of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and remain committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and contributing to regional development
The wheel of history is rolling forward, and it is gradually becoming clear in the game and cooperation between all parties, and we will always contribute to the peace and prosperity of this sea area with a responsible attitude
China has always regarded ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and is committed to building a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future
In 2002, China and ASEAN countries signed the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, pledging to resolve disputes in the South China Sea by peaceful means through friendly consultations
Under the banner of "freedom of navigation", some countries outside the region frequently engage in military activities in the South China Sea, sow discord between regional countries, and attempt to internationalize the South China Sea issue in order to contain China's development
China firmly opposes any interference in the affairs of the South China Sea by any external forces and will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity
In the hands of China and ASEAN countries, China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to adhere to dialogue and consultation, properly manage differences, promote practical cooperation, and jointly build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation
China will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and contribute China's wisdom and strength to world peace and development
Witnessing the rise and fall of history and carrying hope for the future, China will always be open and inclusive, and work hand in hand with other countries to create a better future
As long as all parties adhere to mutual respect and consultation on an equal footing, they will be able to find a proper solution to the South China Sea issue, jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and make this beautiful ocean forever a bridge of friendship between China and the world
Full of hope and challenges, China will continue to firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and at the same time, it will continue to work with regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and work with regional countries to build a better South China Sea
China will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and contribute China's wisdom and strength to world peace and development
In the hands of China and ASEAN countries, China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to adhere to dialogue and consultation, properly manage differences, promote practical cooperation, and jointly build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation
Witnessing the vicissitudes of history and reflecting the future trend, China will continue to uphold the concept of peaceful development and work with regional countries to protect this blue homeland
As long as all parties adhere to mutual respect and consultation on an equal footing, they will be able to find a proper solution to the South China Sea issue, jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and make this beautiful ocean forever a bridge of friendship between China and the world
Full of hope and challenges, China will continue to firmly safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and at the same time, it will continue to work with regional countries to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and work with regional countries to build a better South China Sea
China will continue to hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and win-win results, work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and contribute China's wisdom and strength to world peace and development
In the hands of China and ASEAN countries, China is ready to work with ASEAN countries to adhere to dialogue and consultation, properly manage differences, promote practical cooperation, and jointly build the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation
Witnessing the vicissitudes of history and reflecting the future trend, China will continue to uphold the concept of peaceful development and work with regional countries to protect this blue homeland
As long as all parties adhere to mutual respect and consultation on an equal footing, they will be able to find a proper solution to the South China Sea issue, jointly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, and make this beautiful ocean forever a bridge of friendship between China and the world