USS Nimitz and USS Ronald Reagan Carrier in a drill in the South China Sea, July 6, 2020. (Photo: US Navy)

They said China did not comply with the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s decision in 2016 or provide persuasive legal justification for its claims, but has tried to coerce its neighbors by embarking on a campaign of accretion and militarization and carrying out illegal activities in other countries’ exclusive economic zones. China has increased its activities in the past several months while the world is distracted by the COVID-19 epidemic, said the commitees.

US Senator Tom Cotton said the US is working closely with its partners and allies in Southeast Asia and opposes Chinese expansionism and aggression in the South China Sea.

Congressman Ted Yoho accused China of repeatedly ignoring the claims of its maritime neighbors and has been building illegal lands and military facilities in the South China Sea.

Senator Jim Inhofe said China's claims in the South China Sea are unfounded, adding that the US condemns China's bullying actions.