In violation of China's sovereignty and security interests and in breach of Chinese and international laws, the Pentagon sent the destroyer USS Decatur to the waters of China's Xisha Islands on Friday, sparking a series of forcible countermeasures from Beijing.

The Pentagon's so-called freedom of navigation operation came as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte wrapped up a four-day visit to China and the two countries signed a number of cooperative agreements to aid the full resumption of normal bilateral ties.

According to Chinese and international laws, foreign warships must gain approval from China in advance before entering its waters. The provocative move has once again exposed the negative energy of the United States' "pivot to Asia-Pacific" and highlighted its role as a troublemaker in the South China Sea. At a time when ties between China and the Philippines show signs of improvement, the US has deliberately sought to reignite tensions. The move sends an unequivocal message that Washington does not want to see a peaceful and tranquil South China Sea free of disputes.

Duterte's remark during his visit that the Philippines' better ties with China will cause anxiety in the US hit the nail on the head.

No country intends to weaken the influence of the US in the Asia-Pacific, but the US should know that such influence can only be acquired and maintained through actively participating in and pushing forward common regional development.

It is not only for a few days that the US has dealt with China in the South China Sea, so Washington should know that Beijing will not waiver from maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity. China will intensify its patrols in the waters and strengthen the construction of its defense capabilities. To intrude into China's territorial waters in the South China Sea under the pretext of "freedom of navigation" is a lie, what Washington pursues is only its own "absolute safety".

Any military provocations from Washington will only strengthen China's resolve to defend itself if necessary.