The United States' endeavor for the so-called encirclement of China in the South China Sea is causing concern among Chinese researchers.

There has arisen a powerful force in the US demanding the government take a tough stance toward China, but it may not have risen up to the national strategy level yet. Though it is still too early to jump to any conclusion, any scheme to encircle China is actually one for containing China.

The US has increasingly strengthened its cooperation with its allies in the region, including Japan, the Philippines and Australia. In addition, the US is gradually improving its relationship with Vietnam, and wooing other countries in the region such as India.

It seems that the US intends to build an alliance to hamper China's development in the South China Sea. Just because the US hasn't encircled China now doesn't mean it won't in the future, and such a possibility worries some observers that peace in the western Pacific will be at stake.

Therefore, China should adjust its mentality and make preparations before it is too late.