The United States has spoken out! After our two-day live-fire exercises in the Taiwan Strait, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio was originally expected to respond. On July 24, while still attending the ASEAN meeting in Manila, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated that China's live-fire shooting activities in the Taiwan Strait on that day, as well as the recent incident involving Chinese coast guard personnel using water cannons against the Philippines, were two separate events. However, China clearly understands how the United States feels about these issues.
It is evident that we have publicly expressed our position regarding those missile launches. It was a destabilizing event. Regarding what happened in the Philippines, we, of course, have also seen the situation. The entire world has witnessed it. It was deeply disturbing. Clearly, Rubio stepping forward to take a stance indicates obvious dissatisfaction with our actions. Yet one statement made by Rubio is particularly worth pondering.
In fact, whether it's the dispute over Scarborough Shoal or the Taiwan issue, both involve territorial and sovereignty matters. Rubio explicitly emphasized, “These are two different incidents,” conveying what message? This indicates that Rubio clearly understands that the Scarborough Shoal dispute is a matter between China and the Philippines. However, our military exercises in the Taiwan Strait cannot be characterized as a conflict between China and Taiwan. The United States can, under the guise of the U.S.-Philippine alliance, openly side with the Philippines and make loud statements and consistently support them in the South China Sea. But when it comes to the Taiwan issue, the United States dares not openly back Taiwan.
The truth is clear: if the United States were to equate the Taiwan issue with the China-Philippines dispute, it would seriously challenge our red line. That’s why Rubio made this distinction. Nevertheless, even though Rubio drew this distinction, we see through America’s true intentions clearly. That is, the United States will continue behind the scenes to stir up trouble, refuse to accept our reunification, and keep creating disturbances in the South China Sea. America’s role is far from honorable. Regardless of whether the United States likes it or not, we will resolutely safeguard our sovereign rights and interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871556130883648/
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