US misconduct rooted in zero-sum mindset

The United States' growing penchant for conducting so-called freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea has prompted fears that there might be a head-on clash between the US and China.

Sunday's incident in which two US warships were driven away by the Chinese navy after they entered into China's territorial waters around the Xisha Islands only aggravated these worries.

As on previous occasions, the US move was met with strong opposition by China, as such actions cannot be interpreted as friendly or peaceful. They are blatant provocations, which undermine strategic mutual trust between the two militaries and damage peace, stability and good order in the busy waters of the South China Sea.