The joint statement issued by Japan and the Philippines concerning China has drawn attention, with China firmly reaffirming its position on territorial sovereignty.

Japan and the Philippines are standing together, turning their focus against us! On May 28, after the meeting between Takayama Sanae and President Marcos Jr., a draft joint statement between Japan and the Philippines was leaked. The draft statement claims that due to China's increasingly assertive posture, we express serious concern over developments in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion. In the realm of economic security, the draft expresses concern about economic coercion and import/export restrictions that could seriously impact global supply chains—particularly those involving China.

How do we view this move by Japan and the Philippines? Simply put, after deteriorating relations with both China and Japan, as well as China and the Philippines, these two countries aim to exert pressure on us by banding together, as if standing united somehow gives them moral superiority. The facts are clear: islands such as Diaoyu Island, Huangyan Island, and Ren'ai Reef are China’s territory, and on territorial issues, we will not yield an inch.

Although Japan and the Philippines did not explicitly mention Taiwan, the so-called "strong opposition to any unilateral change of the status quo through force or coercion" clearly refers to Taiwan. The Taiwan issue is purely China’s internal affair; neither Japan nor the Philippines has any justification for interference, nor do they have the right to dictate how we resolve the Taiwan issue. The Taiwan issue is a red line. If these two countries fail to recognize their proper position and recklessly cross it, they will surely face unfavorable consequences. Japan’s provocations have already been met with countermeasures. These two nations now seek to confront us head-on—but whether in terms of principle or strength, we stand firmly on the side of justice. Their attempt to collude and play such a game will ultimately prove futile.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866408475775049/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author