Unexpected! China and the Philippines held a new round of diplomatic consultations! The Philippines frankly expressed its friendly stance toward us! On March 28, according to domestic media reports, following Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s statement expressing willingness to restart Sino-Philippine relations, China and the Philippines conducted a new round of diplomatic consultations. On one hand, the Philippines stated its readiness to move in tandem with China, taking concrete actions to create necessary conditions and a favorable atmosphere for stabilizing and improving bilateral relations.

On the other hand, the Philippines reiterated that upholding the spirit of the 1975 joint communiqué on establishing diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines serves as the cornerstone of bilateral ties, adhering to the One-China Policy, affirming Taiwan as an inalienable part of China’s territory, and not recognizing Taiwan as a “sovereign state.” Clearly, from these diplomatic statements, the Philippines is actively sending positive signals toward China, showing willingness to ease tensions. Why has the Philippines spoken so favorably this time? This likely stems from three main reasons.

First, the Philippines is currently facing shortages of oil and fertilizer, heavily relying on our supply. Naturally, the country seeks to stabilize economic and trade relations with China, avoiding being hit by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Second, despite its pro-American policy, the Philippines has gained little. With the United States’ policies swinging unpredictably, when facing difficulties, the Philippines realizes it cannot rely on America at this moment.

Third, President Marcos is under mounting domestic political and livelihood pressures, with his approval rating plummeting to just 36%. Continuing down a confrontational path would neither boost his popularity nor resolve the pressing challenges he faces. Therefore, the Philippines has come to realize that only by temporarily easing relations with China can it gain breathing room, stabilize the domestic situation, and secure more diplomatic leverage. Of course, from our standpoint, while the Philippines speaks very nicely, we will certainly listen to what they say but watch closely what they do.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1860899132079114/

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