Recently, some US military officers have repeatedly made inflammatory comments on what they call the "China threat" over the South China Sea issue, aiming to stir troubles in the region. However, theses efforts are doomed to fail.

Speaking at a naval conference in Australia in late March, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet Harry Harris, whose country is not a party to the South China Sea disputes, claimed that China is "creating a great wall of sand" through land reclamation in the South China Sea, causing serious concerns about its territorial intentions.

Robert Thomas, commander of the US Navy Seventh Fleet has advised ASEAN countries to form a combined maritime force for joint South China Sea patrols on March 17 at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia. He even called for an extension of Japanese air patrols into the area.

In fact, it is not China, but the US high-profile remarks that have aroused regional concerns and threatened further instability.

China has abundant historical and legal evidence for its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea and is committed to resolving the disputes through negotiations and consultations with the countries directly concerned.

The US, an outsider, is itching to get involved in the South China Sea disputes despite its promise not to take sides on the issue.

It is clear that deeper US involvement in the South China Sea issue, its preaching of the "China threat" and efforts to drive wedges between China and some Southeast Asian nations are aimed at strengthening its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region in line with its "pivot to Asia" strategy.

Such intentions will by no means benefit any party directly involved in the South China Sea issue, nor help resolve the disputes properly.

Southeast Asian countries know full well the hidden agenda behind Washington's overt enthusiasm, and thus they will not be led astray by the US.

Even the countries that have territorial and maritime disputes with China in the region prefer seeking peaceful settlement through dialogue and consultation, rather than confrontation with China.

ASEAN and China have already proposed a joint initiative, in which they will safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea independently of other nations.

Instead of causing trouble, the US should do something that is conducive to regional stability.

This is a commentary from the Xinhua News Agency. The article first appeared in Xinhua. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn