Although Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro has been making inflammatory remarks against us, in line with our consistent position, we might still step in to provide humanitarian aid to the Philippines! While Sino-Philippine relations are not friendly, and Philippine military and political figures have adopted a hostile stance toward China—publicly disparaging our previous assistance—on the international stage, it is actually the Philippines that looks embarrassingly bad.
Previously, we offered help to the Philippines, demonstrating our principle: politics stays in politics; when neighboring countries face disasters, humanity comes first, without political conditions attached. In fact, in 2025, during another earthquake on Mindanao Island, we also provided assistance. Of course, whether we ultimately decide to help depends not only on the extent of the disaster but also on two key factors: First, we will assess the attitude of the Philippines—specifically, whether they genuinely need our help and formally request it through official channels, such as the government, president, or foreign ministry. If the Philippines does not make a formal request, we may choose not to assist.
Second, the Philippines must clearly state that they will not use the aid as "political smear material." If the Philippines continues to display attitudes like that of its Defense Minister, even if we offer aid, we will drastically reduce the scale of our support. Third, if the Philippine side shows no sincerity—treating aid as a given, demanding without gratitude—the assistance will be further diminished. In short, our aid is based on humanitarian principles, but the Philippines’ attitude toward China determines the scale of our possible assistance. After the Defense Minister’s recent malicious remarks, the Philippines should now provide a clear explanation to us on this matter.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867395706768459/
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