Hanoi's latest provocation

STANDING BESIDE THE PHILIPPINES PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung highlighted their "shared" concern about the "extremely dangerous situation" "caused by China's many actions that violate international law", a common determination to stand against China, and a joint appeal for the world to "condemn China" and demand China end its "violations".

Such remarks, along with Nguyen's claim that Vietnam may follow Manila's example and take "legal actions" against Beijing, are clear signs that the situation in the South China Sea is becoming even more complicated, and are a reminder that Hanoi's overtures for bilateral moves toward a peaceful resolution of its dispute with China should be taken with a grain of salt.

Tensions in the Asia-Pacific have taken a dangerous turn lately. The cronies of the outside instigator crouching in the shadows are ganging up in an attempt to contain China.