Comments add to tensions

JUDGING FROM THE REMARKS MADE BY US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta in his on-going Asia tour, it is crystal clear that Washington is involving itself deeper in the affairs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Worse, it is not difficult to conclude that Washington, even though it is outside the region, is openly assuming the task of raising the temperature over the South China Sea issue; an issue that should only involve China and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In a meeting with defense ministers from ASEAN in Bali, Indonesia on Sunday, Panetta said: "I want to reiterate that the United States is a Pacific nation with enduring interests and commitments to our allies and partners in the region."