Manila's antics just self-serving troublemaking

Those who have closely followed the Philippines' maritime territorial spat with China would agree that the island country is only too willing to play the role of a troublemaker.

It has behaved like a crying baby asking for sympathy from the international community, and it has never shown any sincerity in resolving its dispute with China through peaceful talks. It knows once a code of conduct is completed it will be required to behave like a responsible and respectful player, which means it will not be able to encroach upon China's maritime interests like before.

The covert and overt support from the United States, which is not a party in the South China Sea disputes, has clearly emboldened Manila's reckless moves in the waters as well as prompted its miscalculations.

Last month, US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said that "bigger nations can't bully the small" in the South China Sea, which was perceived as pointing an accusing finger at China.

In a recent interview, a top US navy officer based in Asia extended an uncalled-for welcome to Japanese military extension to the South China Sea as a counterweight to China's presence.

Irresponsible remarks such as these are certainly not helpful to peacefully resolving the disputes in these waters. Neither do they contribute to reducing tensions.

There has been growing economic interdependence among countries in the region, and it serves the interests of all those concerned, including the interests of the Philippines and the US, to build a harmonious atmosphere for the regional efforts in ushering in a code of conduct for the South China Sea at an early date.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily.

wanghui@chinadaily.com.cn

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