Chinese state-run media accused the U.S. of worsening the South China Sea tensions as Secretary of State John Kerry ends his visit to the region amid harsh verbal exchanges between the two countries over the issue.

According to the Chinese state newspaper People's Daily, the U.S. is encouraging its Asian neighbors such as the Philippines and Vietnam to make bolder ownership claims on the disputed resource-rich waterway. The paper said this U.S. move is tantamount to "fishing in troubled waters."

Like Us on Facebook

Xiaohe Cheng, an international relations expert at Renmin University, said the territorial spat is putting a strain on the U.S.-China relations. He said the heated exchanges between Washington and Beijing will have a detrimental effect on the two countries' efforts to establish a new model of country ties.

This week, the U.S. accused China of creating instability in the region by its aggressive actions. Washington then proposed to implement a voluntary freeze on provocative moves in Asia. However, China rejected the freeze and accused the U.S. of sowing instability through its Asian pivot.

Meanwhile, the U.S. signed new security agreements with Australia in a bid to establish a permanent army base there. Xiaohe explained that the new deal with Australia is part of the U.S.' attempts to "contain China."

There are over 1,000 U.S. Marines deployed in Australia and they are expected to increase to 2,500 in 2017.

China's increasing influence in Asia triggered tensions with the neighboring countries. For example, some members of the Communist Party of Vietnam wrote a letter urging their leaders to implement reforms that would decrease Vietnam's dependence on China.

Earlier this year, China towed a billion-dollar oil rig in a disputed part of the South China Sea that triggered violent demonstrations in Vietnam. The tensions are still palpable and the "nightmare" between the neighboring countries is far from over, Xiaohe said.

The U.S. State Department called for a de-escalation of the South China Sea tensions and a negotiation of a Code of Conduct for countries venturing into the controversial waters.

China and ASEAN are still working to complete the Code of Conduct.

TagsJohn Kerry, People's Daily, Vietnam, U.S., Xiaohe Cheng, Renmin University, Australia, ASEAN