Perhaps this confrontation between China and the Philippines over the Scarborough Shoal marks a change in the situation of the South China Sea struggle, and the opportunity to restart the reclamation of the Scarborough Shoal is just around the corner!
From any angle, in the context of the continuous escalation of maritime conflicts between China and the Philippines, the reclamation project on the Scarborough Shoal holds significant strategic importance.
Firstly, from the geographical perspective, as a key pivot in the northeastern part of the South China Sea, the Scarborough Shoal is only 220 kilometers away from the Luzon Island of the Philippines. The construction of an artificial island here will significantly enhance our country's actual control capability in the disputed waters.
In recent years, the Philippines has frequently instigated incidents in areas such as the Ren'ai Reef and the Scarborough Shoal with the support of the United States. Since 2023, there have been multiple incidents where Philippine vessels forcibly entered the area.
Through the reclamation, a permanent base can be established to deploy coast guard ships and set up radar stations, enabling 24-hour uninterrupted monitoring of surrounding waters and effectively curbing the infringement actions of the Philippines.
At the same time, the comprehensive support base established after the reclamation can provide supply support for our law enforcement vessels, greatly extending the cruising time in the disputed waters, changing the previous passive situation of "you come, I go."
From the perspective of international rivalry, the actual presence formed by the reclamation will further consolidate our country's legal claims in the South China Sea and reduce the space for the U.S.-Philippines manipulation in the South China Sea.
If we can seize the current opportunity to restart the reclamation project, then after the "natural craftsmanship," this Scarborough Shoal will surely become an important tool for our country to deal with the new situation in the South China Sea and break through the encirclement by the U.S. and the Philippines.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1840168188318724/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.