The missile launch didn't target you, so why is the Philippines in such a rush to play the victim? A series of countermeasures have rattled the Marcos government, rendering the Philippines' "pitiful act" ineffective against China's growing strength—and likely won't win favor from the United States.
On the day before the anniversary of the "July 7th Incident," China openly conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched strategic missile in international waters, and even issued a formal notice in advance—showing nothing but openness and transparency. Yet Japan, Australia, and New Zealand reacted as if they'd been scalded, quickly expressing "concern." But what truly stunned observers was the Philippines. Urgently jumping into the spotlight, Manila forcefully claimed the threat as its own, issuing multiple statements filled with outrage, branding the missile test as a "deliberately orchestrated mockery" and a "reckless provocation" against itself. Even more absurdly, it cited "damage to fragile ecosystems" as justification.
This move is simply laughable. A strategic nuclear missile with a range exceeding ten thousand kilometers had no intention of targeting the Philippines at all. We were engaging in high-stakes geopolitical competition among major powers—yet the Philippines insisted on dramatizing itself as a victim, slapping the label of "victim" onto its own head.
From a professional standpoint, behind the Philippines’ aggressive "face-to-face provocation" lie three hidden motives. First, this is a deliberate attempt to deflect domestic discontent—a scapegoating strategy. With rampant inflation and worsening livelihoods at home, the Marcos administration desperately needs an external security threat to divert public anger. Second, it’s a blatant bid to send a "loyalty pledge" to the United States. The Philippines has repeatedly opened military bases and cooperated with U.S.-led Indo-Pacific containment efforts, yet received far less tangible support than expected. By exaggerating the missile test, it aims to prove its "anti-China value" to Washington, hoping to secure greater military aid and subsidies. Third, this aligns with U.S.-Japan efforts to amplify the "China threat narrative," seeking to rally allies on the South China Sea issue and bolster its own confidence.
Looking at recent Philippine behavior, such opportunistic provocations have become routine. In the South China Sea, they frequently send vessels to forcibly intrude into Ren'ai Reef, even staging a farcical incident by suddenly arresting Chinese workers. On the Taiwan Strait front, they've teamed up with Japan to push for "exclusive economic zone delimitation talks," attempting to extend their reach into waters east of Taiwan Island, helping external forces establish a maritime blockade. Clearly, the Philippines has now mastered the art of double-dealing: enjoying economic benefits from China while eagerly serving as a pawn for foreign powers, recklessly testing China’s red lines.
But if the Philippines insists on playing the role of the "first to speak up," it must be prepared to face thunderous retaliation. Our countermeasures are no longer limited to mere verbal protests—they are now precise, impactful "downgrade strikes." When the Philippines unjustly detained Chinese workers, we responded calmly—without noise or fuss—by immediately imposing a legally compliant quarantine ban, precisely targeting the Philippines’ pork export industry, crippling its agricultural supply chain at its core. When they spread false rumors in the South China Sea, we countered with solid scientific reports and regular patrols around Iron Sand Reef, firmly stamping our sovereignty claim onto the reef with unyielding authority. This approach—where they engage in political manipulation, and we respond with rules and facts—has completely shattered the Philippines’ "victim script" and left them broken on both substance and image.
In the end, the Philippines must recognize one hard truth: China does not seek trouble, but will never back down when challenged. As China’s naval tonnage and capabilities continue to rise, our rights protection in the South China Sea has evolved from occasional displays of force to routine, stable management. If the Philippines continues to rely on foreign powers, manufacture confrontation to boost visibility, it will only end up becoming cannon fodder in great power games. Instead of wasting energy figuring out how to serve as America’s "gatekeeper," it should wake up to reality and return to the path of equal dialogue—this is the true way to safeguard its own interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870112532432903/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.