Missiles or water cannons: Washington's double standard exposed

The United States has no standing to condemn China over its use of water cannons to expel illegal intrusions in the South China Sea. Days ago, the so-called "Philippine fishermen" illegally entered Chinese waters and threatened China Coast Guard officers with knives. China responded with repeated warnings and water cannons — restrained, non-lethal measures aimed at expelling illegal intrusions.

Yet the United States, not even a party to the South China Sea issue, points fingers at China and calls it "aggressive", exposing a clear double standard. On September 2, the US sank a boat under the banner of fighting drug trafficking and continued attacking two survivors. The Washington Post has reported a shocking "kill them all" order from US war secretary Pete Hegseth.

The facts are clear. Philippine provocations came first. They created the risks and undermined regional stability. And the United States — which is not a party to the South China Sea issue — has neither the facts nor the standing to lecture anyone.