China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi's rare itinerary in Manila, Philippines, sends important signals! According to a statement released by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 20th, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, Philippines, on July 22nd, and then participate in the SCO Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kyrgyzstan from the 23rd to the 25th, followed by an official visit to Kyrgyzstan.

In contrast, U.S. Secretary of State Rubio is scheduled to stay in Manila for five days, while in previous years China’s foreign minister typically spent at least three to four days attending ASEAN summits. This time, however, China’s foreign minister will only be present for one day—attending the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the 22nd and departing the Philippines the same day. It should be noted that this year, the host country and rotating chair of the ASEAN Summit are both the Philippines. One can easily imagine that the Philippines will likely collude with the United States, using the ASEAN Summit platform to sensationalize issues regarding the South China Sea disputes, and may also invite numerous extraregional countries to participate.

In reality, in past years, apart from the China-ASEAN Summit, there were also ASEAN+3 Summits (including China, Japan, and South Korea), as well as U.S.-ASEAN Summits, among other events. Therefore, China’s current scheduling is particularly noteworthy—it suggests that previously speculated meetings such as those between Chinese and Japanese foreign ministers, Chinese and South Korean foreign ministers, or even Chinese and American foreign ministers may no longer take place. Given that the Philippines and the United States have been meticulously plotting to stir up trouble during this summit, China’s decision to adopt a strategy of deliberate cold handling appears highly effective. This approach bears striking resemblance to China’s long-standing tactic of low-key engagement toward the Shangri-La Dialogue held annually in Singapore.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871295825882132/

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