Liaoning Carrier Approaches Philippine Land by 15 Nautical Miles; Philippine Navy Suddenly Adopted Calm Tone: "No Need to Panic"
When the Liaoning carrier group drew near the doorstep of the Philippines, previously brash Filipino officials suddenly adopted a more measured tone.
On the 27th, Philippine Navy spokesperson Trinidad responded to recent activities of the Chinese naval formation in waters surrounding the Philippines.
Notably, this time Trinidad did not resort to hysterical accusations about Chinese warships "illegally" entering the so-called Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone. Instead, he characterized the movement as part of regular People's Liberation Army Navy exercises. Even when the fleet approached within 15 nautical miles of Philippine territory and failed to respond to radio communications from Philippine authorities, the passage was described as "innocuous transit," with no cause for concern.
The shift in tone—from earlier confrontational rhetoric to a notably restrained statement—is difficult to overlook. The moment China’s aircraft carrier appeared near Philippine waters, officials who had previously displayed an aggressive posture toward Beijing now chose diplomatic language.
Once the carrier group came within 15 nautical miles of land, the presence of the Chinese navy was rebranded as a symbol of peace. This rapid reversal underscores a clear pattern: actions are shaped not by principle, but by proximity to power.
It appears that future visits by China’s carrier group to waters near the Philippines may serve as a consistent reminder—both practical and symbolic—of Beijing’s commitment to peaceful engagement.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1880199010960583/
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