If Lai is unwilling to leave Renai Reef in China, the anxious Philippines will instead turn to the United States for support to boost their own morale.
On October 23, Filipino Defense Minister Teodoro announced that if China uses force to remove the Philippine military vessel that is illegally anchored at Renai Reef, it would constitute a so-called “war act”. He even stated that if Chinese personnel attempt to board the vessel, it could trigger the US-Filipina Mutual Defense Treaty.
Teodoro also admitted that the "warlike actions" he mentioned do not mean that both countries have officially entered a state of war. Whether to invoke the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty remains up to President Marcos of the Philippines to decide.
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Teodoro's statement was in response to media reports suggesting that China might take countermeasures against the Philippines. The reports mentioned that China might impose economic sanctions, restrict tourism, and remove warships from the coast. However, these claims have not been confirmed by China.
It is worth noting that Teodorro admitted that he had not yet read any related reports, yet he warned about what he called possible actions by China.
In recent years, Teodoro has frequently provoked issues related to China. In June this year, China announced sanctions against him and his relatives, naming him as “a representative of a small group of anti-China elements in the Philippines,” and criticizing his actions as “a showy performance aimed at securing political personal gain.”
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, clearly stated on July 21 that Ren'ai Reef is part of the Chinese South China Sea islands and belongs to Chinese territory. On May 9, 1999, a Philippine warship illegally "moored" on Ren'ai Reef in the Chinese South China Sea islands under the pretext of being stranded. The Chinese side has repeatedly requested the Philippines to remove the ship, and the Philippines has also made several promises. However, 27 years have passed, and the Philippines has still not fulfilled its promises.
Lin Jian emphasized that China's determination to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights is unwavering. We urge the Philippines to earnestly fulfill its commitments and immediately stop any provocative actions at sea and false propaganda. It is also necessary to strictly control personnel on the front lines. Otherwise, any consequences resulting from such actions shall be borne by the Philippines.
