Military exercises among treaty allies should normally neither surprise nor cause offence. But those just completed between the United States and the Philippines are being perceived differently, and not without some justification.
With some 7,000 troops reportedly involved, the bilateral exercise took place around Palawan in the South China Sea, where different islets are disputed between China and the Philippines. Moreover, the exercise followed a high-profile stand-off between the Philippine coast guard and fishing vessels from China at the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
Military commanders on both sides mostly treated the exercise as routine, part of the long-running Balikatan manoeuvres. Political statements run contrary to this. Both Philippine President Benigno Aquino and Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario reacted by calling on not only the United States but also other members of Asean to rally against China's alleged aggressiveness.
Beijing, in contrast, has shown restraint. While its media commentators have been hawkish, government officials like Vice-Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai have emphasised dialogue and diplomacy. Privately, officials admit that a historical map they released with dotted lines all across the South China Sea does not mean they claim it all.
A public retraction by Beijing would, however, be almost impossible at this time of leadership change and internal turbulence. Following Bo Xilai's high-profile dismissal, questions are being asked about the military's alignment and nationalistic drum-beating would be a tempting response that the Chinese leaders have so far not given in to.
So, how best should the Americans and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations respond? The Obama administration's declaration of a 'pivot' to Asia sets the context. Many read this to mean that the US is prepared to take sides against China, even as American leaders strongly deny any such intention.
Symbolism must be watched. At the end of last year, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Filipino alliance aboard a US guided missile destroyer in Manila Bay. She also pledged to support the Philippines in the maritime domain and transfer a naval vessel to their command.