“We have a stand here and I want to state it here and now again that our ships there... we will not move an inch backward,” Duterte said, adding “I will not withdraw. Even if you kill me. Our friendship will end here.”
If China backs down from the threat of actions based on what the Philippine President has declared then China will come off like a toothless and fangless Dragon of which all the other competing claimants will most likely imitate the same tactic and many other countries led by the U.S. would find no reason not to push or encourage Taiwan into the "Independence" route.
I for one don't envy the unenviable position of Pres. Xi Jinping and F.M. Wang Yi. To look impotent in front of the assertive challenge being made in the Philippines and not doing anything strong to dislodge and discourage Philippines bellicose attitude is an invitation for the vultures to pounce. But on the other hand, If China acts aggressively and manage to sink any of the meager Philippine Navy contingency it'll be portrayed as China being a massive bully and it'll open an invitation for further sanctions from the more than happy, willing, and giddy U.S. along with it's western allies, including the Japanese hentai crew. Oh boy, what a conundrum for China. Any suggestions? Lol
If China backs down from the threat of actions based on what the Philippine President has declared then China will come off like a toothless and fangless Dragon of which all the other competing claimants will most likely imitate the same tactic and many other countries led by the U.S. would find no reason not to push or encourage Taiwan into the "Independence" route.
I for one don't envy the unenviable position of Pres. Xi Jinping and F.M. Wang Yi. To look impotent in front of the assertive challenge being made in the Philippines and not doing anything strong to dislodge and discourage Philippines bellicose attitude is an invitation for the vultures to pounce. But on the other hand, If China acts aggressively and manage to sink any of the meager Philippine Navy contingency it'll be portrayed as China being a massive bully and it'll open an invitation for further sanctions from the more than happy, willing, and giddy U.S. along with it's western allies, including the Japanese hentai crew. Oh boy, what a conundrum for China. Any suggestions? Lol