Commentary: China will not sit idle and let the US act wantonly

On October 21, the destroyer USS Decatur sailed near Xisha Islands in the South China Sea without China's permission. The Chinese government strongly opposes this type of behavior and has taken countermeasures against the US.

According to Chinese law, foreign warships need approval from the Chinese government prior to entering Chinese waters. The US is no exception.

The US provocation carried out in the name of freedom of navigation infringed China's sovereignty, security, and maritime interests, and the act has unmasked the ugly underbelly of the US pivot strategy to the Asia-Pacific.

The provocation was carried out during Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to Beijing, and at a time when the region is coming together. The destructive role of the US in the South China Sea provides clear evidence that Washington has malign intentions.

Washington may lack the courage to admit it, but we no longer live in a world where a single country can lead through conflicts, lies, and alliances.

Washington’s hard power move to maintain US hegemony only reaffirms the necessity for China to enhance its military power and has only stimulated China’s determination and will to safeguard its national interests. China will not allow the US to act in wanton disregard for the peace and stability of the South China Sea.