FM's visit to remind Washington of China's core interests

In his visit to the United States, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to discuss with US officials the hot-button issues of the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula, both with direct relevance to China's core interests. Wang's three-day trip, during which he will meet with his US counterpart John Kerry and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, is more eye-catching than ever, since divisions of the two sides over the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula have been amplified thanks partly to Washington's hidden agendas and recklessness. On the South China Sea issue, Vice Admiral Joseph Aucoin, commander of the US Navy's 7th Fleet, said Monday that his country will not stop military activities in the region. Washington should be well aware that China will not compromise on territorial integrity and Washington should not underestimate China's resolve in this respect. It is also noteworthy that it is Washington that is fanning up the flames by flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and by emboldening nations in their territorial disputes with China. Washington, at the same time, should stop pointing a finger at China over the construction of facilities on its sovereign islands in the South China Sea as these activities, for civil or military purposes, are totally legitimate. On the Korean Peninsula, Washington's willful initiative of deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense missile shield in South Korea will pose a direct threat to China's security interests. As Wang has pointed out, the deployment of the missile system goes far beyond the defense needs of South Korea and the coverage of the system means it will reach deep into the Asian continent. Therefore, the United States has to act cautiously and avoid undermining China's security interests or adding new complications to regional peace and stability. It is of utter importance that the peaceful settlement of Korean Peninsular predicament and South China Sea disputes is in line with the common interests of Beijing and Washington. It is highly hoped that China and the United States, two heavyweights that hold sway and stakes in the Asia-Pacific, should address their divisions in a sensible manner and enhance mutual trust so as to safeguard peace and stability in the region and beyond. To that end, it is advisable for Washington to heed Wang's legitimate call.