In fact, the proposed enlargement of U.S. military presence has already complicated the security situation in the area, with some countries having been emboldened to risk a host of provocative moves ever since.

For example, riding the waves, Tokyo has repeatedly tested Beijing's boundaries on defending sovereignty and territorial integrity, fully convinced that Washington would watch its back in an event of emergency.

Such abuses of U.S. support have not only done Washington no favor, but also dragged it into a rather awkward position. In a sign of U.S. discontent, Washington has expressed its disappointment over Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's provocative visit to the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in late December.

If the United States wants to continue reaping the benefits of a prosperous and peaceful Asia-Pacific region, then it is time for Washington to revisit its pivot policy, stop spoiling its mess-making allies, and play its due, responsible role in the region.

Right now, the most important and welcome contribution the United States can make to the Asia-Pacific and the broader world is to maintain its own economic health and avert exporting financial turbulence overseas once again.

As for China-U.S. relations, it would be of utmost importance for both countries to find every possible way to deepen mutual trust, especially in their political and military interactions. Clearly, Washington has not done enough on this front.

Political elite in Washington have to understand that growing China's economy is still Beijing's biggest challenge in the coming decades, and chaos and instability are never in line with China's fundamental interests.

It also has to be noted that although the current trade ties between the world's top two economies are rapidly growing, they could easily fall into disarray with the absence of a solid basis of political trust.

The Unites States is no stranger to unexpected consequences of its own making. Given the already volatile situation in the region, it is highly advisable that Washington begin to truly practice the virtue of prudence.