WASHINGTON has reportedly informed some Southeast Asian nations via diplomatic channels that the United States Navy is planning to send one or more surface ships within 12 nautical miles of Chinese islands in the South China Sea, in what it claims are "freedom of navigation" operations. Comments:

By no means will China let the provocateurs make waves in waters that should be characterized by peace, friendship and cooperation. Even though enhancing mutual trust and managing disputes through high-level visits and talks remains the preferred option for China, the country should, without any doubt, adopt countermeasures against the United States if it does not stop its military provocations that infringe upon China. People with vision in Washington should and must see clearly China's determination to safeguard national sovereignty and regional security.

Xinhua News Agency, Oct 17