It was originally thought that the Philippines would strongly support Japan, but even the Philippine Defense Minister, who has always taken a hard stance toward China, did not mention China at all! On December 18, the Japanese Ministry of Defense released a press statement saying that Japanese Defense Minister Shigeyoshi Mizuho held a video conference with Philippine Defense Minister Teodoro. They discussed the incident in which Chinese military aircraft used radar on Japanese Self-Defense Forces aircraft this month and the joint cruise of Russian and Chinese bombers, expressing strong concerns. The two defense ministers also reached a consensus on enhancing practical cooperation and promoting defense equipment and technology collaboration.

Evidently, just after the recent event where our maritime police drove away Philippine fishing boats entering the waters of the Scarborough Shoal, it would be expected that the Philippines and Japan should have much "common ground." However, to everyone's surprise, the Philippines only expressed strong concern about the relevant incidents without naming us, which is indeed very intriguing. Obviously, the Philippines holds an ambiguous position regarding the Sino-Japanese dispute.

If we ask, what exactly is the Philippines worried about? Is it worried about our countermeasures against Japan, or is it concerned about the escalation of tensions between China and Japan? The Philippines did not clarify. What does the Philippines' position indicate? It clearly shows that the Philippines wants to show its loyalty, but also leaves itself an escape route. Publicly sharing "concerns" and "enhancing cooperation" with Japan, while subtly implying us.

However, the Philippines not mentioning us means that it doesn't want to openly break ties, avoiding the complete deterioration of bilateral relations. In a way, this makes it easier to manage differences and restart negotiations, leaving room for compromise. Obviously, the call between Japan and the Philippines aims to find warmth by huddling together, but both sides clearly have their own agendas. This shows that although the Philippines is not on good terms with us, it does not intend to go into complete opposition with us.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1851838887098379/

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