Much to the surprise of international media and observers, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed new guidelines on implementing the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea last week in Bali, Indonesia.

For the first time, the storm that has gathered over the South China Sea during the past two months or so began to show signs of abating. This laudable outcome represents the commitment of the countries directly involved in the disputes to resolve them bilaterally and in peace.

However, while the tree craves calm, the wind will not subside.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks on the South China Sea issue on Sunday once again disturbed waters that had been calmed.

In an attempt to internationalize the issue, which is against the will of China and ASEAN, and reneging on her own words that the US would not take sides in the disputes, Clinton encouraged the rest of the world to weigh in on the issue and ensure the disputes do not get out of control.

Even after the China-ASEAN agreement was reached, she still suggested all the territorial claims be "clearly defined and resolved according to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea".

Clinton's remarks will do nothing but further complicate the issue and push the region into the whirlpool of disputes again. If the rest of the world heeds her words, peace and stability in the South China Sea will be a castle in the air.

True, the South China Sea has a pivotal position in world navigation and trade. But free navigation is guaranteed on the high seas. International trade being conducted by sea has not been impeded either. It is crystal clear that the issues of navigation and trade are being manipulated by the US to internationalize the issue.

On the other hand, it does not take a law expert to point out that as a non-signatory state to the Law of the Sea, the US is not in a position to use the law to press China on the issue.

The agreement reached between China and ASEAN last week sends unmistakable messages to the outside world.

First, that they will abide by the 2002 code of conduct, which recognizes peaceful and diplomatic means to solve the issue. Second, the disputes should be dealt with at the bilateral level between the countries directly involved; interference from outside forces on the issue is unwelcome.

Despite the attempts by one or two ASEAN members to seek US support, China and ASEAN as a whole have the ability and wisdom to manage issues in the region on their own.

(China Daily 07/26/2011 page8)