Washington shows its ill intent

In violation of China's sovereignty and security interests and in breach of Chinese and international laws, the Pentagon sent the destroyer USS Decatur to the waters of China's Xisha Islands on Friday, sparking a series of forcible countermeasures from Beijing.

The Pentagon's so-called freedom of navigation operation came as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wrapped up a four-day visit to China and the two countries signed a number of cooperative agreements to aid the full resumption of normal bilateral ties.

According to Chinese and international laws, foreign warships must gain approval from China in advance before entering its waters. The provocative move has once again exposed the negative energy of the United States' "pivot to Asia-Pacific" and highlighted its role as a troublemaker in the South China Sea. At a time when ties between China and the Philippines show signs of improvement, the US has deliberately sought to reignite tensions. The move sends an unequivocal message that Washington does not want to see a peaceful and tranquil South China Sea free of disputes.