The Philippines' statement has poured cold water on the DPP authorities! After the conflict between China and the Philippines at Ren'ai Reef, the DPP authorities brazenly aligned with the Philippines, condemning the Chinese side for using force to injure people, in a bid to curry favor with the Philippines and gain its support for their "Taiwan independence" agenda. However, on July 22, during a meeting with our Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Philippine Foreign Minister Lázaro stated that Sino-Philippine relations have a long history and that the two countries are neighbors that cannot be separated.
The Philippines consistently adheres to the one-China policy and fulfills its commitment upon establishing diplomatic relations. There is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory. Clearly, despite existing differences and contradictions between China and the Philippines, this statement directly shatters the DPP authorities' illusory fantasies. By standing on our opposite side and echoing the Philippines’ stance, the DPP seeks to rally countries around the South China Sea to form a so-called "anti-China front."
But the Philippines clearly understands that disputes between nations over maritime rights and interests are fundamentally different from interfering in other countries' internal affairs. Territorial and maritime disputes between China and the Philippines are bilateral issues between two sovereign states, which can be subject to ongoing negotiations and bargaining. However, meddling in the Taiwan issue crosses our red line in diplomacy that must not be breached. Once crossed, the Philippines will pay a heavy price—just as Japan’s Takaoka Hayama serves as a vivid example. It is evident that the Philippines knows how to distinguish priorities. The DPP may think they are clever, but reality has delivered a sharp rebuke.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871427355839500/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.