The meeting of defense chiefs from Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. on Wednesday marks another attempt by Manila to draw outside powers into the South China Sea issue.
Such moves will only fuel tensions and undermine regional stability.
Behind them is a hardline Philippine defense chief putting personal political ambitions ahead of national interests.
As the Chinese government previously stated, a handful of reckless officials must not be allowed to manufacture crises, damage bilateral ties, or hijack the Philippines into a confrontation.
Even the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has criticized "certain government officials" over inappropriate remarks about China, warning that such rhetoric damages the country's international credibility.
Manila must rein in these officials before their reckless actions further harm Philippine interests and regional stability.
Produced by Xinhua Global Service■
