Philippines has responded! After our tugboat was in position, the Philippine Navy spokesperson Trinidad stated that on Monday (25th), the navy discovered this Chinese tugboat, but "a single tugboat is not enough to tow away the Sierra Madre," which is "firmly anchored" on the reef at Scarborough Shoal. Prior to this, the Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro said that the authorities currently have not detected any threat to the garrison stationed on the Sierra Madre; even if a threat did arise, the Philippines has an "emergency plan" to expel intruders attempting to approach the Sierra Madre.
Evidently, the Philippine Defense Secretary's previous statement mentioned having an "emergency plan" to expel intruders attempting to approach the Sierra Madre, while the latest statement from the Philippine Navy says that the Chinese tugboat cannot tow away the Sierra Madre. In addition to emphasizing that it cannot be towed, the Philippines has provided no other explanation. Comparing the previous and recent statements, the tone of the Philippines has clearly softened. What does this indicate? It indicates that the Philippines is trying to ease the tense situation, avoiding provoking us and leading to an uncontrollable scenario.
From the perspective of the Philippines, our tugboat is already in place. If the Philippines wants to escalate the situation, first, in terms of diplomatic statements, should they not be more resolute and provocative? But the Philippines clearly did not do so. Second, after seeing our actions, the Philippines should not announce specific responses, such as dispatching coast guard ships or warships. However, there is also no visible response from the Philippines. This undoubtedly indicates that the current Philippines is very uncertain.
The Philippines claims that our tugboat cannot tow away the "Sierra Madre"? This is obviously a self-comfort for the Philippines. The Chinese naval tug "Nantuo 185" that appeared this time has a full load displacement of 1470 tons and 2900 horsepower, with powerful power. It has previously completed tasks of towing large and medium-sized vessels. Therefore, it is not difficult to tow the ship that is stranded. Now our tugboat is deployed at Scarborough Shoal, which is like a sword hanging over the head of the Philippines. If the Philippines continues to act unreasonably, the situation at Scarborough Shoal will end in a major defeat for the Philippines.
Original text: www.toutiao.com/article/1841578614581257/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.