Recent inappropriate actions and words by the United States on the South China Sea issue are an overreaction. They are undermining US international credibility.

Firstly, the US carried out close reconnaissance over some islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands. Secondly, in the 14th Shangri-La Dialogue and Asian security conference, it played up the South China Sea issue and seriously distorted the position on China's sovereignty and interests.

Over the years, the South China Sea has enjoyed regional peace and stability. China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea has historical and legal basis. China's legitimate and reasonable construction activities on the islands there do not affect any country, nor are they targeted against any country. China's position on the South China Sea has remained consistent – attempting to settle all disputes through peaceful negotiations, and sticking to the goal of maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

China's work on the South China Sea islands is intended to fulfill its international responsibilities and obligations, such as providing maritime search and rescue services, ensuring safety of navigation, disaster prevention and mitigation, meteorological observations, environmental protection, and fishery production.

China has a firm and clear stance on safeguarding its own sovereignty, and never violates other countries' territory. At present, China and ASEAN countries have explicitly identified the dual-track approach for dealing with the South China Sea issue, and have made progress in consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore Prime Minister, gave a speech during the Shangri-La Dialogue, in which he said that although there are problems in the South China Sea, ASEAN countries and China have reached a consensus in the context of friendly relations and development, and no Asian country is going to choose sides between China and the US.

Some international media have pointed out that the US conduct reflects a strong "restlessness" through some unconventional actions.The Guardian newspaper observed that "accelerating military competition in the Asia-Pacific region" indicates the United States is nervous about maintaining the status, privileges and its image.

Washington needs to strengthen its awareness of how to handle disputes with proper management and words, and avoid destroying sino-US relationship and stirring up trouble in the South China Sea.

The article is edited and translated from《美国不要给南海稳定添乱（钟声）》, source: People's Daily