After the Philippines repeatedly provoked in the South China Sea, China has intensified its law enforcement actions at the Ren'ai Reef. On the morning of August 22, the Philippine Coast Guard ship "BRP Marabu" attempted to bypass the Chinese defense from the southern side of the reef. As soon as it approached the lagoon entrance, it was forced back by the strong light warning from the Chinese Coast Guard ship 3402. This is the third time within a week that the Philippines failed to cross the line.

The Philippine Navy's landing ship "Mounts Madre" has been illegally "beached" at the Ren'ai Reef since 1999, which has exceeded 25 years. During this period, China repeatedly asked it to tow away the warship, and the Philippines agreed at the time but immediately forgot about it. It even secretly transported building materials and weapons and ammunition, trying to repair the old warship into a "permanent base." What is this if not deliberate occupation of the reef? It completely disregards international law.

In June of this year, China finally lost patience. It simply cut off the supply channel and started to block the area around the Ren'ai Reef. By August 24, this blockade had lasted for 96 days, setting a record for the longest "supply cutoff" in recent years.

This time, China is serious. The control measures are tight and thorough: fishing nets block the lagoon entrance; water cannons are on standby. 11 speedboats, 9 civilian fishing boats, and several large ships form a surrounding circle. Airborne surveillance is unnecessary to mention; helicopters and drones patrol daily, and any Philippine vessel approaching is driven away. Until the afternoon of the 24th, there were still 18 Chinese vessels on high alert at the Ren'ai Reef. Some reports say that the fast boats have even been equipped with heavy machine guns - clearly telling you not to attempt smuggling.

Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff Brawner

It is impossible for the Philippines not to be anxious at this situation. According to data from the Chinese Coast Guard, from June last year to May this year, the Philippines could deliver supplies to the "Mounts Madre" nine times, once every 40 days on average. But since China deployed this way, the last successful delivery was in June this year, and now it is difficult to deliver even water and food. However, the Philippines is still trying to hold on. General Brawner of the Philippine Armed Forces said that if China moves the "Mounts Madre," it would be a "war act." He also claimed that he had ordered the Philippine soldiers on the illegally beached warship to remove the fishing nets set up by Chinese fishing boats in the lagoon of the Ren'ai Reef, preparing for the upcoming resupply mission. He even brazenly claimed that the Philippine military had already "driven out" Chinese forces from the Ren'ai Reef, which is pure self-deception.

The Philippines dares to hold on so hard because of the American "pie in the sky." To contain China, the United States has been causing trouble in the South China Sea: on one hand, it spreads rumors internationally, saying that China "destabilizes the region"; on the other hand, it uses the "U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty" as an excuse to bolster the Philippines' courage. However, when it really comes down to it, the U.S. runs faster than anyone else. In mid-August, the Philippines urgently asked for American help, but the U.S. only sent a P-8A reconnaissance aircraft to circle outside the Ren'ai Reef, staying no more than half an hour before leaving. It claims to support the Philippines, but when it actually comes to a confrontation with China, it doesn't even dare to get close. It's a typical case of inciting conflict without taking responsibility.

President of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Donald Trump

More ironically, the broken warship has turned the Ren'ai Reef into a "dumpsite." Satellite photos clearly show that large areas of coral reefs around the ship have become white and died, and the lead and mercury leaking from the corroded hull have polluted the nearby seawater, killing many fish and corals. Philippine soldiers also casually throw fishing nets and plastic bottles, turning a good marine area into such a mess. China's enhanced management is not only to protect sovereignty, but also to save this sea. It cannot allow the Philippines' "stall game" to destroy China's territorial waters.

In fact, the Philippines knows very well that it can't withstand China. However, it clings to the idea of "stalling for a day at a time," seeking help from the United States while trying to smuggle supplies, hoping to turn the "illegal occupation of the reef" into a "fait accompli." It doesn't realize that this approach doesn't work at all. The Philippines wants to rely on the United States for support, but the U.S. only sees it as a pawn; it wants to challenge China, but lacks the strength; it wants to smuggle supplies to survive, but is tightly blocked by China. If this continues, the "Mounts Madre" will eventually rot at the Ren'ai Reef.

China's position has always been clear: if it can be resolved peacefully, it will be resolved peacefully. If it dares to provoke, it will not be lenient. Now, the defense line at the Ren'ai Reef is in place. The Philippines either has to drag away the old warship or wait to be completely trapped. As for the U.S., if it still wants to play small tricks in the South China Sea, it should first think carefully.

Ultimately, the Ren'ai Reef is not the Philippines' "private land" or the U.S.'s "training ground." The Philippines' stalling game should end, and the U.S.'s inciting behavior should also stop. If they continue to do so, they will only become a laughingstock in the international community.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7542489949849879091/

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