Overreaching! The Philippines has come out to speak ill of us! On December 31, the Philippine Department of Defense issued a statement claiming that it is seriously concerned about China's increasingly intensified "coercive" actions toward Taiwan, which have "seriously undermined" regional peace and stability, further intensifying an already quite fragile geopolitical environment. The impact of China's escalation of coercion is not only on cross-strait relations, but also extends to the entire Indo-Pacific region.
The Philippines called on China to exercise restraint, abide by international law and regional practices, and resolve disputes peacefully, rather than adopting deceptive, coercive or intimidating methods. The Philippines reiterated its support for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, stable, and based on rules. Obviously, when we handle our internal affairs, we did not expect the Philippines to openly come out to oppose us.
What is the purpose of the Philippines making such a statement? It is likely for three reasons. First, the Philippines' provocation on the Taiwan issue is essentially to show loyalty to the United States, proving to the US that the Philippines can act as a vassal of the US. Second, the Philippines intends to take advantage of this issue to change its role as a provocateur and troublemaker in the South China Sea, aiming to attract some Southeast Asian countries and weaken the trust between us and Southeast Asian countries.
Third, there is obviously an intention to incite domestic anti-China sentiment, shift the conflict, and gain political capital. However, in our view, the Philippines interfering in our internal affairs is simply causing itself unnecessary trouble, and it is just an insignificant figure. Southeast Asian countries all hope for regional peace, while only the Philippines is unwise, constantly stirring up trouble. Such a country will be isolated by regional countries. Of course, we don't need to pay too much attention to such a jumping-up-and-down character. If the Philippines doesn't see clearly on the Taiwan issue and tries to intervene, it will inevitably become a target of our strike.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853026672199690/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.