Commentary: New U.S. attempts to stir trouble in South China Sea doomed to fail

Recently, some U.S. military officers have repeatedly made inflammatory comments on what they called "China threat" over the South China Sea issue, aiming to stir troubles in the region. However, theses efforts are doomed to fail.

Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet Harry Harris, whose country is not a party to the South China Sea disputes, claimed this week that China is "creating a great wall of sand" through land reclamation in the South China Sea.

Robert Thomas, commander of the U.S. Navy Seventh Fleet has advised ASEAN countries to form a combined maritime force for joint South China Sea patrols and even called for more Japanese involvement.

In fact, it is not China, but the U.S. high-profile remarks that aroused regional concerns and threatened further instability.

China has abundant historical and legal evidence for its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea and is committed to resolving the disputes through negotiations and consultations with the countries directly concerned.

While the United States, an outsider, is itching to get involved in the South China Sea disputes despite its promise not to take sides on the issue.

It is clear that deeper U.S. involvement in the South China Sea issue and its preaching of "China threat" and efforts to drive wedges between China and some Southeast Asian nations are aimed at strengthening its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region in line with its "Pivot to Asia" strategy.

Such intentions will by no means benefit any party directly involved in the South China Sea issue nor help resolve the disputes properly.

First, Southeast Asian countries know fully well the hidden agenda behind Washington's overt enthusiasm, and thus they would not be led astray by the United States.

Second, even the countries, which have territorial and maritime disputes with China in the region, prefer seeking peaceful settlement through dialogue and consultation, rather than confrontation with China.

ASEAN and China have already proposed a joint initiative, in which they will safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea independently of other nations.

Instead of causing trouble, the United States should do something that is conducive to regional stability. Endi