Lately the U.S. has been making moves in the South China Sea. USS Lassen illegally entered waters within 12 nautical miles of Zhubi Reef, which is part of China's Nansha Islands, without the permission of the Chinese government; U.S. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter visited a U.S. aircraft carrier in the South China Sea. Those muscle-flexing moves indicate the U.S. is intimidating China with its military power.

Meanwhile, U.S. Department of State has repeatedly made “noises” on South China Sea disputes. Speaking at Asia Society on Nov. 4 in New York, Daniel Russell, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific, made indiscreet remarks on the South China Sea disputes. The U.S. has repeatedly accused China of "harming navigational freedom" and caused tension in this area. The U.S. tried to push China to accept international arbitration lodged by the Philippines. It is clear that the U.S. spares no efforts to scramble for more say.

It seems the U.S. is resorting to a carrot-and-stick policy, but in fact such aggressive approach can’t conceal its anxiety.

The U.S. cannot change history no matter what troubles it makes in the South China Sea. China’s sovereignty in the South China Sea has historical and legal grounding. None can deny the fact that the Chinese government has been taking actions to defend the sovereignty. The U.S. is unable to cover some countries’ illegal impairment of Chinese sovereignty.

The U.S. cannot prevent China from defending its rights. China is resolute and able to defend its sovereign and security and cope with the provocation of other counties.

The U.S. cannot prevent China from conducting effective communication with other countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping has just wrapped up his state visits to Vietnam and Singapore. Vietnam is one of the concerning parties of the South China Sea disputes. The two counties have agreed to solve the disputes through friendly consultation. Singapore, which plays a vital role in ASEAN, agrees to solve the South China Sea disputes in the light of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The U.S. should clearly understand that any groundless accusation cannot hold water. It would cause troubles to itself if it makes troubles in the South China Sea.

This article was edited and translated from 《南海本无事，美国自扰之（望海楼)》, source: People’s Daily Overseas Edition, author: Hua Yisheng