Marcos Jr.’s Strategy Against China’s Aggression

In the 1970s, the Hippie Movement popularized the phrase, “Suppose they gave a war and nobody came,” alongside “Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll.” This sentiment resonates today with the actions of Marcos Jr. against China. Back then, Marcos Jr. and I were just teenagers, but now we’re witnessing a fascinating strategy in his response to China’s aggressive posturing around Scarborough Shoal.

China is metaphorically “giving a war” by deploying its Maritime Militia, Coast Guard, and the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Yet, Marcos Jr. isn’t taking the bait. While he keeps the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries (or whatever it’s called) in the area and maintains the BRP Sierra Madre at the Second Thomas Shoal, he refrains from escalating tensions with the Philippine Navy. Instead, he’s playing a cool game, refusing to let the situation ignite.

China seems eager for a confrontation, seeking any excuse to justify a conflict. But Marcos Jr. won’t provide them with one. If China wants a war, they’ll have to start it—and spin their familiar narrative to justify it.