According to Reuters and the Wall Street Journal, the US Navy sent the guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen to within 12 nautical miles of islands built by China in the South China Sea. US officials claimed that the action aimed to safeguard freedom of navigation and did not target China. The patrols could also be conducted around features that Vietnam and the Philippines have built up in the South China Sea. According to the US side, the action has been approved by President Barack Obama, but with no notification for China.

According to the Western media, Chinese navy ships are closely watching the Lassen. The Pentagon is obviously provoking China. It is time to test the wisdom and determination of the Chinese people.

We should stay calm. If we feel disgraced and utter some furious words, it will only make the US achieve its goal of irritating us.

We should analyze the actual condition of the US harassment. It seems that the US only wants to display its presence as it did not raise the imprudent demand that China stops island-building. It has no intention to launch a military clash with China. It is just a US political show. 

China and the US have no conflicting views over international law. Instead, the two are competing with each other over the rules and order in the South China Sea. Beijing's construction work in the area is completely legal, and there is nothing Washington can blame it for. Yet, from Washington's perspective, the geopolitical situation in the area will be changed following China's island reclamation. Beijing may seize the advantage to control the Nansha Islands and their adjacent seas. Therefore, Washington, annoyed and anxious, has taken action in order to balance Beijing's clout and to consolidate its dominance in the South China Sea.

It has to be noticed that China has already carried out construction work in the area. This is the concrete achievement Beijing has gained. Completing building the islands still remains as a major task for China in the future. At present, no country, the US included, is able to obstruct Beijing's island reclamation in the region.

In face of the US harassment, Beijing should deal with Washington tactfully and prepare for the worst. This can convince the White House that China, despite its unwillingness, is not afraid to fight a war with the US in the region, and is determined to safeguard its national interests and dignity.

Chinese should be aware that the US harassment is only a common challenge in China's rise. We should regard it with calm and be confident of our government and troops. It is certain that the Chinese government, in ordering the land reclamation, is able and determined to safeguard the islands.