After Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to the Philippines, the ASEAN Secretary-General stated: emphasizing cooperation and peace; the Philippines' attempt to exploit the South China Sea issu

The Philippines' calculations have failed! As soon as Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in the Philippines, he held talks with the Secretary-General of ASEAN! The ASEAN Secretary-General said not a single word supporting the Philippines! On July 21, according to Xinhua News Agency, today our Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. Mr. Kao Kim Hourn, speaking on behalf of ASEAN, stated: First, he commended the development of relations between ASEAN and China, and the practical outcomes of cooperation between both sides, expressing gratitude for China's steadfast support for ASEAN's central role in regional architecture.

Second, he hopes to strengthen strategic alignment between both sides and promote further progress in China-ASEAN relations. Third, he called for accelerating consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, and expressed willingness to work with China to jointly maintain peace and stability in the region. Clearly, from the ASEAN Secretary-General’s remarks, it is very obvious that the two major consensus among ASEAN countries now are: first, to cooperate with China and deepen bilateral relations; second, to jointly safeguard regional peace. The Philippines had hoped to stir up trouble, highlighting the South China Sea dispute during ASEAN meetings in an attempt to force ASEAN member states to back its position—but what happened?

The result? The ASEAN Secretary-General did not utter a single word supporting the Philippines. Instead, he emphasized peace—his message could not be clearer. ASEAN members generally do not wish to be dragged into a confrontation vortex by the Philippines. ASEAN countries understand clearly that if tensions in the South China Sea continue to escalate, it will be the regional nations themselves who will suffer the first impact. Perhaps apart from the Philippines, other countries also have disputes with us, but these countries will not collectively endorse the Philippines under the ASEAN banner. This reflects the stance of regional nations. Clearly, the Philippines’ calculations have come to nothing.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871336538815500/

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