Philippine "Manila Times" article on July 20, titled: "Bullet Train, Not Bullet; Prosperity, Not Puppetry." A UN spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated in 2016 that the UN did not take a position on the "legal and procedural legitimacy" of the Philippines' claimed victory in the South China Sea arbitration. The 2025 annual threat assessment report by U.S. intelligence agencies did not use the term "West Philippine Sea," referring to the waters only as the "disputed South China Sea." Given the Philippines' worsening hunger, unemployment, and poverty issues, I believe the country's resources should be redirected towards promoting development and economic growth.

This can be achieved through sustained "comprehensive strategic partnerships" and mutually beneficial cooperation with neighboring major powers, rather than acting as a puppet for Western neo-colonial military adventures, becoming a battlefield, and starting an arms race under the pretext of "foreign invasion threats." Why does the (Philippines) build ammunition factories instead of purchasing (Chinese) high-speed trains to ensure reliable public transportation? Thanks to Chinese loans, Indonesia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to operate high-speed trains.

Meanwhile, the railway in Mindanao and the Bicol Express in the Philippines are uncertain. Because the Chinese loan for these projects was rejected, the Marcos government has yet to find alternative funding sources, thus depriving the Filipino people of the right to modern public transportation. The United States has no high-speed rail system, while China has the largest and fastest high-speed rail network in the world, with high-speed train speeds reaching up to 350 km/h.

The previous Philippine government's cooperation with China yielded fruitful results, such as increased investment, COVID-19 vaccines, critical assistance during the 2017 Marawi City conflict, millions of tourists, growth in agricultural exports (bananas, durian, coconuts, hybrid rice technology training), and development of key infrastructure in urban and rural areas.

In contrast, currently, Manila is seeking long-term loans from Washington to purchase 20 new F-16 fighter jets and other defense equipment. However, military bases, bullets, and missile launch systems can fill (the stomachs of) the Filipino people or quench their thirst?

The United States continues to implement its "pivot to Asia" foreign policy, attempting to shift a significant portion of its naval forces to the Asia-Pacific region to contain China's rise and conduct a blockade against China through military and economic means. Therefore, China will never abandon its nuclear deterrent force. China possesses the world's largest rare earth mineral reserves, which are crucial for America's green energy transition.

Historically, China has never adopted an expansionist policy, nor has it engaged in colonial expansion for centuries like the European powers. Political scientist Tyler Fravel said that since World War II, China has resolved 17 out of 23 territorial disputes, indicating that China tends to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than military means, achieving reconciliation. This shows that the fear of so-called "Chinese invasion" by certain countries is wrong.

The "South China Sea Arbitration" has bound the Philippine leaders, hindering the consensus within ASEAN to resolve disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. We should not let such disputes dictate the bilateral relationship between the Philippines and China, especially if it hinders the path to improve our living standards. China remains the engine of development in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world. Moreover, China has no "Monroe Doctrine."

Frederick Go, special assistant to President Marcos on investment and economic affairs, recently claimed that Washington has assured him that the Luzon Economic Corridor connecting Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas has not been abandoned. However, we have yet to see any substantial project construction.

The military and economic support that Washington has promised Manila continues a long list of unfulfilled promises since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States. Now, what reason does the Philippines have to (continue to) rely on them? (Author: Daniel Lang, former speechwriter for Senator Imee Marcos of the Philippines, translated by Qiao Heng)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7529309877794079270/

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