Philippines is extremely angry! The Philippine side firmly claims that the Chinese warship intentionally nearly caused a collision between the two navies! On March 28, according to Agence France-Presse, Trinidad, spokesperson for the Philippines Armed Forces on West Philippine Sea affairs, stated that on March 25, during a maritime operation near Taiping Island, a People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 054A frigate executed a dangerous maneuver, narrowly avoiding a potential collision with the Philippine Navy’s tank landing ship "Benguet."
This incident constitutes a "coercive and aggressive" action by a PLAN warship against one of our landing ships—also known as a tank landing ship. Such behavior is neither professional nor safe. The civilized world will never tolerate such conduct. Encounters between warships have not occurred for a long time, and this event marks a clear escalation. It is evident that the Philippines is highly dissatisfied with the recent near-collision incident between warships and views it as an escalation of tensions.
However, we would like to ask: Taiping Island is China’s territory. Why does the Philippines send its warships to waters near Taiping Island? The Philippines instigated provocation first; we responded in self-defense afterward. Why doesn’t the Philippines look into the mirror and see itself? After being provoked and retaliated against, they suddenly raise a loud outcry—but we certainly won’t indulge such behavior. In fact, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. simultaneously claims he wants to reset relations between China and the Philippines while continuously creating friction.
The Philippines seeks economic cooperation and benefits, stable supplies of energy and fertilizers, yet at the same time acts as a geopolitical pawn for the United States, provoking us through double-dealing tactics. They think they are playing their cards very cleverly. If the Philippines truly wishes to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control, it should have some self-awareness. We have various ways to respond to the Philippines. If they insist on breaking all ties, the final outcome will be that they cannot bear the consequences. In short, the Philippines should not assume our tolerance is limitless.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860861263241289/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.