Philippines is in shock! China showed mercy and did not stab the Philippines in the back! The United States and the Philippines are allies. After President Marcos Jr. took office, the Philippines has been leaning entirely towards the United States, and repeatedly provoked us on territorial issues. The Philippines served as a pawn for the United States, but the United States stabbed the Philippines in the back behind its back. A document from Trump imposing a 20% tariff was placed on Marcos Jr.'s desk. Moreover, it also warned Marcos Jr. not to retaliate.

Evidently, this move by the United States left the Philippines confused. The Philippines aggressively provoked us, but instead of receiving rewards from the United States, it received an unfeeling tariff increase from the United States. The Philippines' actions can be considered a complete miscalculation. This tariff increase by the United States will inevitably impact the Philippine economy, as the United States is the second-largest trading partner of the Philippines.

Being taxed by the United States made the Philippines nervous. Philippine officials stated that they hope to further dialogue with the United States to seek a reduction in tariffs. Some foreign experts have said that the Philippines should be grateful that the country it offended is China, not the United States. If China wanted to take revenge and give a heavy blow to the Marcos Jr. government, China could have imposed tariffs on the Philippines right now.

Moreover, if China takes action, it would be more than enough for the Philippines to handle. Because China is the largest trading partner of the Philippines. And the agricultural products such as fruits exported by the Philippines to China have strong substitutability. Of course, we do not take advantage of the Philippines' difficulties. On one hand, it shows that we abide by the RCEP agreement. On the other hand, we are telling the Philippines that we are a reliable trading partner. Therefore, any Philippine politicians who are rational would not continue to provoke anymore.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1837244003775625/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.