It is irresponsible for the United States to send wrong signals to the Philippines at such a sensitive moment and in such complicated situation. Unless the United States changes its course of action, it is very likely that the Philippines would be emboldened to take more risky actions that could further worsen the situation.
The U.S. moves will certainly hurt its relations with Beijing, which U.S. President Barack Obama has called the most important bilateral ties in the world.
As for the Philippines, pinning wrong hopes on the United States and playing hardball do no good in solving the disputes.
The Chinese government has on various occasions urged all relevant parties to settle South China Sea disputes through dialogues.
To secure long-term peace and prosperity in one of the world's most economically dynamic and politically diverse regions, negotiations are the only right track forward. Any deviation from it leads to a dead end.
116-year-old Chinese woman recognized as world's oldest