Outside interference biggest threat to stability in South China Sea

Although China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are on the course to negotiate the text of a code of conduct in the South China Sea, outside forces continue to try and make waves.

According to a statement released by the US military on Wednesday, the United States and the United Kingdom conducted coordinated drills in the South China Sea between January 11 and 16.

This show of force in the sensitive waters can by no means be interpreted as a goodwill gesture. It only further complicates the situation in the South China Sea and turns it into a potential regional flashpoint.