Commentary: Stop sending wrong signals over South China Sea

BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) -- China-Philippine relations are not expected to turn for the better as overseas Filipinos, apparently emboldened by recent U.S. moves in the region, are planning anti-China protests worldwide.

The New York-based West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) coalition decided to launch protests shortly after Manila and Washington agreed to expand military cooperation.

According to a latest agreement, the United States will build a naval base in Subic Bay in the Philippines to beef up support for Manila and enlarge U.S. military presence in the region.

Such moves are easily interpreted as support for the Philippine government in territorial disputes with China, thus complicating the situation and jeopardizing stability of the Asia-Pacific region at large.

During last week's China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, the United States promised that it will take no sides on the South China Sea disputes.

Yet the fact that Washington signed a deal on Subic Bay with the Philippines just days after the conclusion of the strategic dialogue with China puts the U.S. commitment in question.

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