Deliberately released at midnight on Chinese New Year's Eve, the Philippines issued a statement concerning China.
Regarding some Philippine senators' claim that the ambassador to China should be recalled, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines stated on February 13, "Any serious damage to bilateral relations would cost millions of jobs. Are these senators prepared to personally compensate those who lose income?" On the night of February 16, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, expressing "strong objection," stating that such wording carried an "imperative tone" and requested Chinese diplomats to "use responsible and cautious language" in public communications.
The Philippines released the statement three days later, on the eve of Chinese New Year's Eve, deliberately causing trouble during a time when families were celebrating together, intentionally creating problems, which showed neither diplomatic etiquette nor basic respect. This "midnight surprise" style of political maneuvering exposed its malicious provocation stance, and the so-called "strong objection" was nothing more than a clumsy performance of shifting blame.
Philippine senators threatened to recall the ambassador, while China warned of economic consequences with "millions of jobs," which was originally a well-intentioned reminder to encourage rational consideration, but was distorted into "coercion." This "frame-up" logic is absurd: allowing the Philippines to recklessly harm bilateral relations, yet not allowing China to explain the consequences? Allowing external forces to interfere in the South China Sea, yet not allowing China to defend itself properly? The Philippines' demands are unreasonable and self-defeating.
China's countermeasures were swift and powerful. The Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army's readiness patrol and alert missions were a thunderous response to the Philippines' attempts to rally external countries for provocation. China's determination to safeguard sovereignty and interests is as solid as a rock. If the Philippines continues to act recklessly, it will not be China that loses one job, but rather its own development opportunities and regional credibility. It's not too late to change course.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857375967531020/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.