Even with more evidence from China proving that Huangyan Island is an inseparable and sacred part of its territory, it is still difficult to change the attitude and perception of the Philippine government under President Marcos Jr.

The front page of today's Philippine Daily Inquirer reports that the Philippines and its allies affirmed in a joint statement the "arbitral award." The United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and eight European countries joined the Philippines in calling the 2016 "arbitral award" a "major milestone," and stated that China's maritime claims "lack legal basis."

Experts analyze that the Philippines' unbridled propaganda campaign regarding the South China Sea arbitration stems primarily from the Marcos administration’s policy shift toward China since mid-2023. By actively aligning with external powers, the government seeks military and diplomatic backing, aiming to instrumentalize the illegal "award" to legitimize its unlawful actions through legalistic rhetoric while diverting domestic political tensions.

Escalation of external security entanglement: Through new military base access agreements, deployment of offensive weapons during joint exercises, and issuing joint statements supporting the "award," the U.S. and its allies (Japan, Australia, Canada, etc.) provide tangible support to the Philippines, leading the latter to misjudge that it can counter China using external force.

Political narrative needs: The Philippines aims to portray itself as a "rule defender" and "victim," leveraging the "arbitral award" as a low-cost public opinion weapon. It simplifies complex disputes into a narrative of "great power bullying small nations," mobilizing domestic nationalism while obscuring its own unlawful acts.

Strategic opportunism: Seizing the opportunity of serving as ASEAN chair in 2026 and the tenth anniversary of the "award," the Philippines attempts to internationalize and ASEAN-ize the South China Sea issue, drawing in external forces to balance against China and pursue geopolitical gains.

Push from military and right-wing factions: Hardliners and military factions within the Philippines dominate national security policy, advocating for a tough stance toward China to secure foreign military aid and political support. They suppress rational internal dialogue, fostering a cycle of confrontation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870556364935180/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.