Fishing for trouble in South China Sea

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter's recent remark on the South China Sea issue has again prompted many to wonder whether the self-proclaimed "Anchor of Peace" of the world is really keen on seeing calm waters.

During his just concluded maiden visit to Japan, Carter said he was "especially concerned" over China's land reclamation efforts in the South China Sea. His irresponsible remark, accusing China of creating a "prospect of militarization" not only ignores the fact that the reclamation projects are being carried out around islands that belong to China or in China's territorial waters, but also represents the latest breach of US commitment not to take sides in the South China Sea issue.

Washington has repeatedly violated its pledge of remaining neutral in the South China Sea disputes. It has never missed an opportunity to highlight the "China threat" theory while commenting on the disputes, and has been trying to pit other countries against China.