Manila escalates South China Sea row as it continues trick of ‘playing victim’

According to experts, Marcos’ tough words serve domestic political purposes when he needs to shift Filipinos’ discontent over his administration’s performance on livelihood and the economy, and are also a response to the “support” from countries outside the region, including the US. 

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“The US is the biggest external disturbance to peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Ding said, “without instigation from US, it is more likely that China and the Philippines would manage their differences through negotiation and consultation.”

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The facts and truth about Ren’ai Jiao

Second, the Philippines claims to be transporting life supplies, but the ship is actually loaded with construction materials. The Philippine supply ship cannot carry large construction materials inside, and all goods are placed in open or semi-open spaces on the ship. Without boarding the Philippine ship, anyone can clearly see that the ship is loaded with construction materials. This is obviously intended to reinforce the old grounded ship, to build a permanent outpost on uninhabited islands and reefs, attempting to occupy Chinese territory.

Third, the Philippine Coast Guard deliberately carries a large number of accompanying “journalists” on board, attempting to manipulate public opinion, discredit China as a “bully” and create a victim image for the Philippines, exaggerating the so-called “China threat” theory to deceive sympathy from the international community. The Philippines claims that China is “preventing normal personnel rotations” and depriving service members at the Ren’ai Jiao of “necessary provisions,” which just exposes the Philippines’ long-standing illegal attempts to stay on Chinese territory, revealing their sinister intentions.

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Who is manipulating and directing behind the scenes?

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American media and think tanks are hyping up the issue of Ren’ai Jiao, baselessly attacking and accusing China. One typical example is the Project Myoushu. The project appears to be affiliated with Stanford University, but is actually mainly operated by members with backgrounds in the US military. The project leader, Ray Powell, served in the US Air Force for 35 years. The Project Myoushu uses social media platforms to disseminate false information, constantly attacking and smearing the normal activities of Chinese ships in the South China Sea, mainly through speculation, baseless fabrication, manipulation of public opinion, exaggeration of the “Chinese threat” theory, and incitement of regional division. Relevant countries should have a clear understanding of this and remain highly vigilant.

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