The US made three changes, causing international热议. The Philippines seemed to have received a divine edict and rushed into Scarborough Shoal, where they were caught by the Chinese coast guard. The Philippines probably has delusions of grandeur if it thinks it can take advantage of this situation.

Google's incorrect annotation after renaming

Recently, the Philippine Coast Guard stated that a Chinese coast guard ship suddenly accelerated when it was 36 nautical miles away from Scarborough Shoal, intercepting a Philippine vessel that was navigating normally. The Philippines accused the Chinese coast guard of "disregarding rules" and ignoring maritime safety. The Philippines once again portrayed itself as a "victim" on the international stage, placing China at the center of public opinion.

The Chinese coast guard immediately refuted these claims. In reality, the Philippine vessel "dangerously approached" the Chinese coast guard ship and attempted to create a collision incident. This is not the first time the Philippines has distorted facts. Moreover, the Philippine Coast Guard also dispatched aircraft to intercept a Chinese survey ship, claiming that the Chinese survey ship was operating without authorization.

It is worth noting that just the day before the Philippines forcibly entered Scarborough Shoal, preparing for another provocation, AFP reported that the newly updated Google Maps could directly display the name "West Philippine Sea" upon entering relevant keywords, marking it in the waters west of the Philippines. As we all know, this sea area has been commonly referred to as the "South China Sea" internationally.

PLA bombers flying over Scarborough Shoal

"West Philippine Sea" is a name used by the Philippines since 2012 to contest sovereignty over the South China Sea. The blatant support of an American software giant for the Philippines clearly indicates ulterior motives. In response, the Philippines expressed welcome and viewed Google's renaming as a symbol of "international recognition," which would help them "protect their sovereignty."

Previously, former US President Trump ordered the renaming of the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "American Gulf." Faced with hesitation among all American media, Google was the first to comply, angering the Mexican president who threatened to sue them. Therefore, the recent event of Google renaming the South China Sea cannot be seen merely as the independent action of a company; it actually reflects the stance of the US government.

Clearly, the Philippines keenly perceived the attitude of the US and thus engaged in another provocation the day after Google's renaming. Taking advantage of the intense global trade war, it cannot be ruled out that Marcos intends to take advantage of this opportunity. Currently, Marcos faces economic downturn pressures and political opposition. By炒作the South China Sea issue, he can consolidate his ruling foundation.

Chinese coast guard ships

Meanwhile, the US views the South China Sea as an important battleground to contain China and will not miss such an excellent opportunity. As a major US tech giant, Google's map annotation changes are likely related to government pressure from the US, aimed at providing the Philippines with "public opinion weapons." Moreover, the US recently approved the sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines and pushed for the establishment of new military bases in the country.

Next week, the US-Philippine military exercises will also take place. However, the Philippines needs to be clear-headed and realize that US support for the Philippines is mainly based on "low-cost intervention," unwilling to directly intervene militarily. If the Philippines provokes excessively, it may be abandoned by the US. Currently, anti-American sentiments are brewing domestically in the Philippines, with frequent protests against the expansion of US military bases.

US-Philippine military exercises

In addition, since the Han Dynasty, China has developed and utilized the islands in the South China Sea. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, they were incorporated into administrative jurisdiction. After World War II, international agreements clearly stipulated that the islands in the South China Sea belong to China. The manipulation of geographical names by the Philippines and the US is nothing more than an attempt to occupy Chinese territory. The political intentions of the US and the Philippines are crystal clear to China.

The linkage between Google Map renaming and the Scarborough Shoal conflict is essentially a "composite encirclement" against China's rise by the US and the Philippines. If the Philippines continues to act as a "vanguard," it will only become a sacrifice in great power博弈. Meanwhile, China's firm actions to protect its sovereignty are the most powerful rebuttal to the hegemonic mindset of "might makes right."

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493781768522891786/

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