There is also a consensus within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that the South China Sea issue should not be internationalized.

Regrettably, external factors could have fueled recent frictions over the issue.

For one thing, the growing interest of the United States in the region may drive up the appetite of some countries in Asia on the issue.

Washington last year vowed to seek a bigger role in Asia. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton rekindled feuds among concerned parties over the issue when attending the ASEAN Regional Forum on July 23, 2010. She made a direct link between US national interests and the South China Sea issue.

Since then, many analysts in Asia believe the South China Sea issue could be an ideal stepping stone for Washington to meddle in Asian affairs.

The current tension over the issue could not have broken out without the US factoring in it. Still some in Washington are not satisfied. On Monday, Senator Jim Webb, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia, urged US congress to do more to criticize China over the growing number of maritime rifts.

Such bias-laden remarks could only widen the dissension and hamper efforts to solve the disputes through peaceful means.

Those still avid for US support should remember: Washington always puts its own interest above those of others when it projects its power globally. Experience in the past also indicates more chaos is guaranteed after the US meddling in a region or a foreign country.

The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the China Daily Website.