A Chinese Coast Guard vessel (R) passes near the Chinese oil rig, Haiyang Shi You 981 (L) in the South China Sea. [Photo/Agencies]

Since its "return to Asia", the United States is increasingly using the South China Sea as an arena in which to wrestle with China, as indicated by its sending warplanes into the airspace near China's reefs and islands or sailing warships through the 12-nautical-mile waters around the isles in a move to escalate its military deployment in the region.

From the "not-by-name" criticism of China by the G7 at a recent meeting in Japan, to a military deal struck with the Philippines aimed at strengthening their joint naval patrols, the sailing of a Japanese quasi-aircraft carrier to the South China Sea, and encouraging more of its allies to join the game, it seems the US is intent on encircling China.

US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, in particular, is doing what he can to peddle a "China containment" scheme.

The South China Sea territorial disputes are between China and other claimant countries, but increasingly these are becoming an issue between the US and China.

Without the support of the US, such countries as Vietnam and the Philippines would not have been emboldened to openly confront China. Even Japan or Australia would not choose a confrontation with China on their own.

The freedom of navigation in the South China Sea has never been impeded by China, but the US perception that the waters are where its core interest lies has caused Washington to break its promise "not to take sides" in deeds.

This self-conceived idea of the South China Sea being a core interest is why Washington is seeking to engage in the area.

Despite the seemingly disadvantageous position it is in, China has to be patient and make ceaseless efforts to develop and build up its national strength.