Pentagon announced on Thursday that two US B-52 bombers flew near the Nansha Islands in the South China Sea on November 8 and 9. The planes did not fly within 12 nautical miles near China's islands, though they received warnings from Chinese ground controllers, according to the US military.

This is a renewed provocation. However, compared with the recent patrol of US warship on waters 12 nautical miles near China's Zhubi Reef, the overflight this time appears less confrontational. The announcement of the flight came after it happened, which is a toned-down gesture compared with the prior announcement of the warship patrol.

The continued harassment indicates the US is attempting to keep the heat on the South China Sea. With the assistance of the Philippines, the US will continue to push the South China Sea into the agenda of international gatherings, giving China a hard time.

The high-profile provocations show a dramatic change of situation within this area. But China has been adapting quickly. The provocations did not deter China. On the contrary, China has become more confident, believing the US dares not take actual actions to interfere in China's construction efforts on the Nansha Islands.

The wrestling between China and the US may last for a long time. China should stay cool, shrugging off concerns in five areas.

First, China should not be afraid of further US provocations. We should quicken the pace to deploy a certain scale of military presence at the Nansha Islands, so as to offset the US threat.

Second, we should not be afraid of the so-called alliance the US has formed against China in this area. The "alliance" members do not act in the same direction. And Japan has a limited role in this issue.

Third, China should not be afraid of the US attempting to use multilateral summits to preach its policies on the South China Sea disputes. It is impossible for the US to make such meetings China-bashing parties.

Fourth, China should not fear any country bringing the South China Sea disputes to an international court of arbitration. The verdict is not binding for China.

Five, we should not be afraid of unfriendly media reports on the South China Sea issue. Some of the Western media do not like China. They will pick one quarrel after another. China should get used to such an environment.

Some thought that China will be in big trouble in the face of any provocation. But in fact, each provocation has enhanced China's endurance and ability to react.

It is hard to tell whether the South China Sea issue will become a hurdle for China's rise, or an intensified drill to toughen it up.