The Philippine government is causing trouble and provoking conflicts with China, while greeting Japanese right-wing politicians with smiles.
According to the Manila Times, on August 3, Philippine President Marcos met with Japanese congressman and representative of the Japanese right-wing party New Party, Fujita Fumio. During the meeting, Marcos said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations 70 years ago, Japan has always been an 'important partner' in the economic development of the Philippines.
The Philippine Presidential Office said that Marcos reiterated the "comprehensive strategic partnership" between the Philippines and Japan during the talks. He also stated that bilateral cooperation has expanded to various fields.
Fujita Fumiyasu has visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which honors Class-A war criminals from World War II, on a regular basis. He also pays the shrine’s fees at his own expense. He publicly defended his visits, arguing that they should not be considered diplomatic issues and should not be overpoliticized, which has led to widespread criticism from the public.
On August 3rd, Marcos met with Fujita Fumihiko.
Marine military expert Zhang Junshe told Observer Network that Marcos's meeting with Japanese right-wing politicians is essentially a pragmatic diplomatic approach by the Philippines to 'trade security for interests' in the complex geopolitical situation.
He pointed out that Marcos’ reception of Japanese right-wing politicians was also seen by the local people as a betrayal of historical wounds. The public accused him of ‘turning traitors into fathers’ and sacrificing national dignity.
It is worth mentioning that on the same day as welcoming Japanese politicians, Marcos strongly supported the anti-China provocative remarks of Filipino Defense Secretary Teodoro. This defense secretary, who has been sanctioned by China, recently threatened to force government officials from the Philippines who “bias against China” on the South China Sea issue to consider resigning.
Philippine Presidential Spokesperson Claire Castro stated at a press conference on the 3rd that Teodoro's remarks were ‘without any problem’, and that these were so-called ‘patriotic expressions’.
Claire Castro said, "We don’t think there is anything wrong with this statement. Both the president and the government believe that Teodoro’s words are not problematic. It is an expression of patriotism."
She even demanded that those who support the stance of the mainland on the South China Sea issue come forward.
Zhang Junshi noticed that after Marcos proposed to 'reset' China-Philippines relations on July 21, he immediately launched provocative actions against China through both military and diplomatic means. On one hand, he sent coast guard ships, official vessels, and fishing boats to invade Chinese waters near Huangyan Island. On the other hand, he sought assistance from the US President and even instructed the Philippine diplomatic system to submit a so-called 'coastal baseline' chart for Huangyan Island to the United Nations on July 29, attempting to annex Chinese Huangyan Island.
"The Philippine government, which is pro-US and anti-China, is not something that the minority of politicians do." Zhang Jun said, "Philippine Defense Minister cannot bypass using the army when it comes to deploying troops. The statement from the Philippine presidential office also proves that provoking China is entirely supported by Marcos."
He stated that whether it is a country’s defense minister or naval and maritime police forces, they would not dare to take provocative actions against other countries without the acquiescence and approval of the president.
"Marcos government's intentions regarding the South China Sea issue are very clear, that is to seek US, Japan, Australia and other foreign forces' support and indulgence in continuing provocations against China, occupying Chinese islands in the South China Sea and infringing on China's maritime rights." Zhang Jun added.
China has repeatedly emphasized that its determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests is unwavering. We urge the Philippines to earnestly fulfill its commitments and immediately cease any provocative actions at sea and false propaganda. It is also essential for the Philippines to properly control its personnel. Otherwise, any consequences arising from these actions shall be borne by the Philippines.
