US provocations call for wise response

Both China and the United States have to readjust their methods to deal with maritime operations following the tension created by the entry of US guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen into the waters near a Chinese isle in the South China Sea on Oct 27 without the permission of the Chinese government.

China strongly protested against the US warship's entry into the waters adjacent to its Zhubi Reef. Yet, instead of ending such operations deemed illegal and imprudent by China according to international law, Washington has insisted it would continue to conduct such "patrols" in the name of protecting freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Such provocative remarks from the US could raise regional tensions.

But despite some media reports saying tensions in the South China Sea could spiral out of control, Beijing and Washington have exercised exemplary self-restraint to tide over the difficult situation.