China News Service, May 5, reported that in the past few days, the Philippine Foreign Minister Luoqin's series of mysterious operations on China-related issues has made people stunned.
From "swearing foul language" to China on social media, attracting criticism from the President of the Philippines, to "a 180-degree turn" in his attitude, apologizing to China and complimenting the Chinese foreign minister...what is the reason behind his "free-of-self" move?
Kyogen! Philippine Foreign Minister provokes China
On May 3, Philippine Foreign Minister Lochin used a sentence mixed with crude English words on social media "Twitter" to ask Chinese ships to "leave the disputed waters between China and the Philippines."
He also described the Philippines as a "handsome guy" who wants to be friends with the "ugly" China.
When this remark came out, it was really shocking.
Data map: Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs Lochin.
Not to mention that Luoqin, as a foreign minister, has been so rude on social media, and he has indeed lost his status as a diplomat.
With regard to Sino-Philippine relations, Philippine President Duterte has always advocated friendship between the two countries and more cooperation.
What does the foreign minister's words mean?
Luo Qin's remarks quickly "alarmed" Duterte.
In a recorded speech broadcast on the Philippine TV station on the evening of May 3, although Duterte did not mention Lochin, he emphasized, "China is still our benefactor...just because we have conflicts with China, It does not mean that we are going to be rude and disrespectful."
It is reported that Duterte also instructed the cabinet not to use swear words when discussing foreign affairs.
And Duterte himself was vaccinated with the Chinese new crown vaccine that night.
The 76-year-old said in the video, "It feels good" and "I have been looking forward to this vaccine a long time ago."
China refutes: "microphone diplomacy" undermines mutual trust
Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also refuted Luoqin's inappropriate remarks in the form of a reporter's question and answer on May 4.
Wang Wenbin said that Huangyan Island is a Chinese territory and the nearby sea is under China's jurisdiction.
China urges the Philippines to truly respect China's sovereignty and jurisdiction and stop taking actions that complicate the situation.
"Facts have repeatedly proved that microphone diplomacy cannot change the facts, but can only undermine mutual trust. I hope that the relevant people in the Philippines will comply with basic etiquette and identity when they express their opinions."
Wang Wenbin also stated that, as Philippine President Duterte said, the differences and contradictions between the two countries on individual issues should not affect the friendship and cooperation between the two sides.
This is also an important consensus reached on many occasions by the two parties.
China has always and will continue to work with the Philippines to properly resolve differences and advance cooperation through friendly consultations, and continue to provide the Philippines with assistance within its capacity in fighting the epidemic and restoring the economy.
180 degree reversal! Philippine Foreign Minister apologized
Luoqin apologized just the day after disturbing the relations between the two countries because of one person's speech.
Philippine Presidential Office spokesman Locke stated on May 4 that Lochin had apologized to China for this matter. "Lochin told me that he had apologized to the Chinese ambassador. His words were only because of something that made him feel hot."
Image source: Social media screenshot of Philippine Minister of Foreign Affairs Lochin
However, on social media, Luo Qin's performance is very interesting.
He said, "No, I just apologized to Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China." He changed the conversation and praised Wang Yi as "a role model he could not match. I hope that I can learn Wang Yi's elegance in thought and manners." ".
What is even more ironic is that he repeatedly mentioned Wang Yi in subsequent tweets, saying, "I want to learn from his calmness under the worst provocations in Anchorage (China-US talks), without any flaws."
Ask the U.S. for help? What does the intensive hype mean?
In just two days, from cursing China to apologizing to China and praising the Chinese foreign minister, the Philippine officials' series of operations seem to be full of drama, but the main issue involved-the issue of oxbow reefs, cannot be ignored. People pay attention.
Oxyoke Reef is a part of China's Nansha Islands. The reef and its adjacent waters have always been important operating areas and wind shelters for Chinese fishing boats.
However, since early March, some Philippine media began to hype the "South China Sea Dispute."
The Philippine Defense Minister Lorenzana referred to Chinese fishing boats as "maritime militia fishing boats" and said that he would urge the Chinese ships "assembled" on Oxyoke Reef to leave as soon as possible.
Image source: Screenshot of the website of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines
In response, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines issued a statement on March 22 stating that Oxbow Reef is part of China's Nansha Islands.
For a long time, Chinese fishing boats have been fishing in the waters near the reef.
Recently, due to sea conditions, some Chinese fishing boats have sheltered from the wind near Oxbow Reef, which is normal.
There is no such thing as a "Chinese maritime militia ship." Any unprovoked speculation is useless. I hope that the relevant parties will treat it rationally.
Although China has stated clearly on many occasions, the Philippine Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have repeatedly hyped up the Bullbow Reef incident.
Philippine Defense Minister Lorenzana spoke for two consecutive days on April 3 and 4, accusing Chinese ships of staying in Oxbow Reef, indicating that "China is planning to occupy more areas in the South China Sea."
The Philippine Ministry of Foreign Affairs also echoed on the 5th, stating that if the Chinese ships do not leave, they will protest every day.
Image source: Screenshot of Associated Press report
On April 8, the spokesman of the Philippine Ministry of National Defense, Andoron, even threatened to seek help from the United States. The two sides will protect the Philippines’ interests in the South China Sea under the obligations of the Mutual Defense Treaty.
In fact, the Philippine Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeatedly "fired" China on the Oxbow Reef incident. Whether there are shadows of other countries behind it is intriguing.
On March 31, local time, Sullivan, National Security Affairs Assistant to the President of the United States, and Philippine National Security Adviser Emohenes Esperon held a telephone conversation.
The White House revealed that the two parties mentioned the gathering of so-called "Chinese maritime militia vessels" on Oxbow Reef during the call.
Sullivan also declared that the United States stands with its allies in the Philippines.
At the beginning of April, the US Secretary of State and the Philippine Foreign Minister spoke to express concerns about the activities of the "Chinese militia ship" in the South China Sea.
On the other hand, a spokesperson for the European Union’s External Action Agency issued a statement on April 24, claiming that the recent tensions in the South China Sea and the activities of large Chinese ships near Oxyoke Reef endanger the peace and stability of the region. The EU is committed to safeguarding the open and free Indo-Pacific in accordance with international law. Maritime routes, oppose any unilateral actions that undermine regional stability and international order, and mention the 2016 South China Sea arbitration.
In response, the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently stated that the US has disregarded the facts and insisted on calling the Chinese fishing boats "maritime militia ships," and has repeatedly invoked illegal and invalid South China Sea arbitration awards in an attempt to deny China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea.
This is totally out of ulterior motives, and it is impossible to succeed.
The spokesperson of the Chinese mission to the European Union also pointed out that the current situation in the South China Sea is generally stable, and China maintains close communication on relevant issues with countries in the region, including the Philippines.
In recent years, regional countries and the international community have clearly seen that the instability and security risks faced by the South China Sea mainly come from outside the region. The South China Sea should not become a tool for individual countries to contain and suppress China, nor should it become a field of competition among major powers.