U.S. State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke says China is “out of step with the regional consensus” over its actions in the South China Sea.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday condemned China’s actions in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea0, saying it was “out of step with the regional consensus”.

“First, we want a peaceful resolution of all disputes and an immediate and lasting halt to land reclamation by any claimant. We also oppose any further militarization of disputed features,” U.S. State Department spokesman Jeff Rathke told reporters during the daily briefing.

“China is out of step with the regional consensus in favor of a non-coercive approach to this and to other long-standing disputes,” he added.

Rathke also said the U.S. would ‘operate, fly, and sail’ wherever permitted under international law.

Read more: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/05/28/15/us-china-out-step-disputed-waters