The root causes of instability in the South China Sea are mainly three factors. First, the United States has nakedly “chosen sides” on the South China Sea issue, standing firmly on the opposite side of China. Second, some claimants in the South China Sea dispute are trying to solidify their vested interests. Third, the so-called ruling of the South China Sea Arbitration almost completely denies China’s claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines is attempting to exploit the legal ambiguity to advance its territorial expansionist agenda by issuing contradictory statements regarding 'a commissioned warship,' 'a permanent station,' and 'low-tide elevation that cannot be be appropriated or subjected to sovereignty claims'. This strategy to disguise its territorial expansionist intentions by exploiting legal ambiguity is simply an attempt to conceal its true motives. Such disingenuous behavior must be scrutinized and addressed.