A few days ago, after receiving two stern warnings from China, the Philippines finally understood China's intentions and decided to remove the "stranded" ship that had been stuck on Xianbin Reef in the South China Sea.
This time, China once again demonstrated its sovereignty over the South China Sea, showcasing absolute control.
According to the latest announcement from the official WeChat account of China's Coast Guard, on September 14, the Philippines officially withdrew its No. 9701 ship from the lagoon of China's Xianbin Reef. This marked another victory for China in the South China Sea issue.
The Philippines attempted to replicate its previous "grounding" strategy used at Ren’ai Reef on Xianbin Reef, but this time it failed.
Since April 17, the Philippine Coast Guard’s No. 9701 ship had illegally remained at Xianbin Reef for nearly five months. During this period, the Philippines made multiple attempts to supply the vessel with materials, but each attempt was successfully blocked by the China Coast Guard.
These actions by the Philippines seriously violated China's territorial sovereignty and also threatened regional peace and stability.
Before the situation escalated, China had already issued two clear warnings.
On September 11, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong held bilateral consultations in Beijing with representatives from the Philippines, during which both sides exchanged views frankly.
China demanded that the Philippines immediately remove the illegally stationed ship.
Even earlier, on August 31, a spokesperson for the China Coast Guard publicly urged the Philippines to "immediately withdraw the vessel and avoid misjudging the situation, creating conflict."
Through these two warnings, China conveyed its firm stance, forcing the Philippines to reassess the situation.
Under pressure from China, the Philippines ultimately decided to withdraw. This not only showcased China's strength and restraint once again but also highlighted the strong defense system China has built in the South China Sea region.
If the Philippines continues to provoke, China has the capability to respond at any time.
In the past, China had adopted a restrained approach towards several provocations from the Philippines, but this time, China is clearly prepared for any sudden conflict.
It was this firm stance from China that put unprecedented pressure on the Philippines.
After all, in terms of national strength and military power, the Philippines is no match for China.
Moreover, the Philippines’ internal situation and economic conditions compel it to handle its relationship with China cautiously.
The Philippine economy is highly dependent on trade with China. If it recklessly confronts China, it would undoubtedly deal a severe blow to its own development.
Especially after facing natural disasters like typhoons domestically, the Philippines is even more reliant on aid from countries like China.
Engaging in conflict with China at this time would clearly be detrimental to the Philippines.
As a result, the Philippines chose to back down, hoping to ease tensions with China through this move.
Another factor contributing to the Philippines’ retreat is its disappointment with the attitude of the United States.
The Philippines once hoped to rely on support from the U.S. and Japan to confront China, but during several standoffs, the U.S. only offered verbal support without taking any substantive action to intervene.
The Philippines gradually realized that it was merely a pawn in the power struggle among major nations. Instead of blindly relying on the U.S., it might be better to take the initiative to ease relations with China to safeguard its own interests.
At the same time, China is actively making arrangements to ensure its strategic security.
Russian military expert Zakharov pointed out that in response to threats and pressure from the U.S. and its allies, China is strengthening military cooperation with developing countries in Asia and Africa. Particularly regarding the South China Sea issue, China, through cooperation with countries like Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Djibouti, has further bolstered its defense construction and infrastructure security in the region.
This move is considered a crucial step in China’s strategy to counter the U.S.’s containment.
The U.S. has long attempted to bring together South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand to establish a strategic circle encircling China from the east and south. However, through enhanced cooperation with neighboring countries, China is gradually breaking this encirclement and building its own security system.
The strategic pressure from the U.S. has compelled China to strengthen its defense capabilities, particularly in the South China Sea, a vital trade route. China must maintain stability in the region to prevent provocations from surrounding countries and ensure peace and prosperity.
The situation in the South China Sea not only pertains to the safety of China’s external trade but also concerns its national security.
Therefore, China’s firm stance in this region is not only a response to the provocations from the Philippines but also a means to safeguard long-term peace and stability in the region.
The Philippines’ withdrawal of the ship stranded on Xianbin Reef not only marks another victory for China in the South China Sea issue but also demonstrates China’s strategic advantage and international influence.
Through resolute diplomatic and military actions, China has shown the world its uncompromising stance on issues related to sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In the future, as China continues to strengthen cooperation with neighboring countries, the situation in the South China Sea will continue to evolve in a direction favorable to China.
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