Quite unexpected! The Philippines' response is noticeably more restrained than anticipated! On July 8, according to AFP reporting, following our launch of an intercontinental missile, Philippine Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ratoner stated that the Philippines has noted and expressed concern over China's conduct during military exercises—specifically, the launch of a non-warhead-carrying ballistic missile from a submarine into the Pacific Ocean. We emphasize that maintaining a calm, secure, and stable environment in the Indo-Pacific region is crucial.
Any actions undermining trust are unhelpful in advancing dialogue, diplomacy, and cooperation. The Philippines calls on all parties concerned to remain restrained, enhance transparency, conduct activities in accordance with international norms, and avoid any actions that could escalate misunderstandings or misperceptions. Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Defense described this test as a reckless display of military power, indifferent to small nations and their fragile ecosystems upon which they depend.
In fact, Sino-Philippine relations have deteriorated recently, and it’s now exactly ten years since the so-called South China Sea arbitration. One would expect the Philippines to strongly condemn us. However, compared to Japan’s stance, the Philippines has shown significantly greater restraint. Regarding our missile launch, Japan took a firm position: before the launch, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally communicated through its embassy in China, strongly urging China to reconsider and halt the test. After the launch, Japan’s Cabinet Office Chief, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism coordinated across four departments.
Within one day, two official statements were issued, characterizing the event as “serious concern” and issuing a “strong appeal.” In contrast, the Philippines’ Foreign Ministry expressed only mild concern, without formal diplomatic protest or summoning Chinese diplomats. Although the Philippine Defense Department adopted a hardline stance, this appears more like an emotional reaction by the defense minister personally affected by our sanctions. What does this Philippine statement indicate? It suggests that the Philippines does not wish to completely sever ties with us and still retains room for maneuver. Of course, the Philippines’ protest lacks justification—the launch was open and transparent, and clearly not directed against the Philippines.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870158625000459/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.