US muscle flexing adds to tensions

Concerns over China-US relations' future heightened last week after a US spy plane flew over some of China's islands and reefs in the South China Sea. While the international community is anxious to know China's response to the apparent US provocation, the fact is, Washington's move has made Beijing's case for reclamation and construction work in the South China Sea much stronger.

The US spy plane flew very close to the islands and reefs, including the Yongshu Reef of China's Nansha Islands, on a reconnaissance mission on May 20, prompting Chinese forces to drive it off with warnings over the radio in accordance with regulations, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hong Lei said.

China is carrying out reclamation and construction work in the waters which fall within its territory. Yet the US has been increasingly criticizing China saying its activities will raise tensions in the disputed waters and affect freedom of navigation in and flying over the seas.