Bilateral and multilateral diplomacy

Comments on Ernest Bower “The JMSU: A tale of bilateralism and secrecy in the South China Sea”, 3/08/2010, http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2010/08/03/the-jmsu-a-tale-of-bilateralism-and-secrecy-in-the-south-china-sea/
Ernest Bower's argument sounds seemingly good, although one is never certain the US has been consistent in its international policies.

Doesn't the US selectively use international practices in its foreign policies?

It is not long ago that it advocated unilateral approach of pre-emptive use of force, because it suited its interests.