United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced on Monday China's territorial claims in the South China Sea as "completely unlawful" and as a "campaign of bullying."
"The world will not allow Beijing to treat the South China Sea as its maritime empire. America stands with our Southeast Asian allies and partners in protecting their sovereign rights to offshore resources, consistent with their rights and obligations under international law," Pompeo said in a statement, adding that Beijing is trying to "replace international law with 'might makes right'."
Earlier this month, Washington described Chinese military drills in the South China Sea as "highly provocative" and sent two aircraft carriers to the area.
