From the footage of the confrontation between China and the United States in the South China Sea's Huangyan Island on August 13, released by a Philippine journalist. This time, the US military is making a big move: In addition to mobilizing the USS DDG-76 "Higgins" destroyer, there is also the LCS-20 "Cincinnati" littoral combat ship on site, and it is reported that there may be a nuclear submarine as well. The Philippine military deployed one Cessna 208 reconnaissance aircraft. China deployed one Su-30 heavy fighter jet (the Philippine media mistakenly identified it as the J-15 carrier-based fighter, implying that China's Shandong aircraft carrier is nearby) for interception, at least two 054A frigates, and four Chinese maritime police warships, as well as six large fishing boats on site.

During this phase, the India-Philippines joint military exercises, and the US, UK, and Japan conducting a four-carrier exercise with the Philippine navy have given the Philippine authorities a sense of boldness. The sudden attack by Filipino small boats has given the US military inspiration, which is why they have sent the high-speed littoral combat ship.

We can crush the Philippine military as easily as squashing an ant, but the difficult part is the geopolitical strategic impact. Now it's a struggle, everyone wants to take some advantage, but no one wants to fight. The one who would benefit most from a conflict is the United States, as the US administration will have an excuse to enter the South China Sea again, and another excuse to provoke relations between ASEAN and China. If it were only the Philippine army, it would be less than an ant. As long as the Philippines' obsession with our territory remains, and if certain major powers continue to collude and exploit each other, the provocations will not stop. For the Philippine authorities, President Marcos Jr., provoking China in the South China Sea can stir up so-called unity among the Filipino people, increase his popularity, and gain American aid. Moreover, it might not even lead to a real conflict, and even if it does, it's unlikely to target the Philippine leadership. If necessary, President Marcos Jr. could just flee to the United States with the money.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840403233855507/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.