Philippines Seeks to Partner with Allies for Patrols in the Taiwan Strait, Drawing Attention

Ignoring the PLA military exercises, the Philippines says it will work with allies to conduct patrols closer to Taiwan

Recently, a Philippine Navy spokesperson Trinidad stated in a press conference that China's military exercises near Taiwan are "routine" and will not affect the Philippines or change the situation. He said, "The security situation of the Philippines will not be significantly impacted by one exercise."

He also implied that the Philippines will continue to expand the scope of its "joint patrols" with allies this year, including the "northern sea areas" of the Philippines. To the north of the Philippines lies the southern sea area of Taiwan, implying that the Philippines wants to work with its allies to conduct "joint patrols" near Taiwan.

Although Trinidad spoke "calmly", is the security situation in the Philippines really so peaceful? The Philippines has gathered the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Japan to hold "multilateral maritime cooperation" and multinational military exercises in the South China Sea. Can a small country like the Philippines really organize such a large event? Obviously, it's the United States behind the scenes pulling the strings.

Among these countries, aside from the United States, the combined naval strength of all the other countries cannot match the navy of China's Eastern Theater Command. Bringing their "old rags and scrap metal" to the South China Sea can only cause annoyance to China without any real effect.

For such a small country as the Philippines, repeatedly using the "Taiwan card" to provoke us, we have no choice but to take corresponding measures to make them pay a price. However, more importantly, we should address the country standing behind them - the United States. But now, with Trump practicing "Monroe Doctrine" and gradually withdrawing his influence, after losing U.S. support, the Philippines should clearly know what its fate will be.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1853629281682432/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.