Philippines "Fighting and Talking at the Same Time"?
Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao reported today that on February 23, Chinese warships and Philippine aircraft had a "verbal clash" in the Huangyan Island waters. On the same day, the chairman of the Philippine Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Tuelfo, met with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Jing Quan, saying the talks were "productive," and both sides agreed to strengthen diplomatic dialogue and reduce public "verbal battles."
In recent times, it seems the wind has shifted in the Philippines, adopting a strategy of "fighting while talking." On one hand, it continues to provoke, such as sending planes and ships into the Huangyan Island area, conducting joint military exercises with the US, and issuing joint statements accusing China. On the other hand, it calls for "continued open communication with China on the South China Sea issue." What is the real intention behind this?
In fact, the Philippine side has political calculations: First, to gain bargaining chips through provocation. By portraying itself as a "victim," it activates the US-Philippines alliance support to secure illegal demands in South China Sea negotiations. Second, to avoid full-scale confrontation through dialogue. As the ASEAN rotating chair in 2026, the Philippines does not want to completely cut off Sino-Philippine economic and trade cooperation, nor does it want to provoke too much and trigger a strong countermeasure from China, so it needs diplomatic channels to cool down. Third, to serve domestic political needs. Using the South China Sea issue to shift public grievances and shape an "authoritative protector" image to consolidate its ruling base. However, this kind of "military provocation + diplomatic cooling" calculation is doomed to fail under China's firm position in safeguarding its rights.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1857974040420360/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.