Philippines should not become a pawn to disrupt the situation in the South China Sea – Dainik Savera Times

On April 7, the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines conducted the first joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea. Philippine media reported that the purpose of the joint military show of force by the four countries is to curb China.

Since last year, the Philippines has been causing trouble in the South China Sea and repeatedly intruding into waters near China’s Huangyan Islands and Rennaichao (Renai Reef). On March 21 this year, 34 people from the Philippines ignored China’s warnings and illegally climbed China’s Thieshyenchao (Thiesyen Reef). On April 4, several Philippine vessels conducted illegal activities in the waters adjacent to Hothangqiao (Iroquois Reef) in China’s Nansha Islands. The Chinese Navy stopped them. What is the purpose of the Philippines’ numerous provocative actions in the South China Sea? Some analysts pointed out that the Philippines wants to cause so-called “trouble” for China by continuously stirring up trouble and provoking the South China Sea issue.

The main reason behind this is the support of external powers like America. The Philippines relies heavily on outside powers in terms of military and security. These external countries provide assistance, joint military exercises, joint patrolling etc. The Philippines’ South China Sea policy is becoming a hegemonic instrument for the US to suppress China, and is also taking itself onto a dangerous path.

However, Imee Marcos, chair of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Philippine Senate, has a clear understanding of this. He said the Philippine government’s acceptance of defense and maritime security donations from the US and the West is tantamount to “welcoming several Trojan horses of foreign interference” that could lead to long-term conflicts. He urged the Philippine government to promote mutual understanding with China. This is in line with the policy stance of many ASEAN countries.

Since April, leaders of ASEAN countries have started visiting China extensively. Indonesia’s newly elected President Prabowo Subianto paid his first visit to China and expressed full support for the development of closer relations between Indonesia and China. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Laos, the Vietnamese Foreign Minister and Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand visited China respectively. ASEAN countries’ visits to China are a true reflection of the continued close relations between China and ASEAN.

So people saw that on the one hand, most ASEAN countries are committed to maintaining regional peace and stability and promoting regional cooperation and economic integration. On the other hand, the Philippines, with the inspiration and support of external powers, is willing to become a vanguard to disrupt the situation in the South China Sea. This is contrary to the wishes of the entire region.

The Philippines is the Philippines of Asia and the Philippines of ASEAN. It should return to the Southeast Asian family, follow the trend of history, adhere to strategic independence, and safeguard regional peace and stability.

(Credits- China Media Group, Beijing)