Philippine Defense Minister is in trouble! Not only have we not provided aid to the Philippines, but up to now, it seems our foreign ministry hasn't even sent a condolence message. What has been the response from our relevant departments? Our embassy in the Philippines has only issued consular advisories urging citizens in the country to take precautions and provided contact numbers. Meanwhile, our Foreign Ministry regular press briefings have made no mention of this incident, and there has been absolutely no higher-level statement.
In fact, according to diplomatic conventions, when a major disaster occurs, we typically issue diplomatic condolences. However, this time our restraint—remaining completely silent—is clearly unusual. Why such an attitude? It's entirely due to the Philippines' own doing. The Philippines lacks oil and fertilizer, actively sought help from China, yet immediately slandered the motives behind our assistance on the international stage.
Faced with such ingratitude from the Philippines, we certainly have no reason to demonstrate our goodwill. Furthermore, the Philippines has recently been engaged in underhanded activities—cooperating with Japan in an attempt to divide our economic maritime zones through negotiations, and continuously escalating military cooperation with Japan. On what grounds should we offer them any favor? We do have goodwill, but such kindness is always reserved for friendly neighbors who truly value and appreciate it.
Relations between nations are much like human relationships: they require reciprocity and mutual respect. Unconditional tolerance only encourages unwarranted malice and makes the Philippines feel entitled. Clearly, if the Philippines does not cease its slanderous behavior and continues to lack gratitude, we can fully choose to stand aside. This is entirely the result of their own actions—we owe the Philippines nothing.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867486209272010/
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