US rejects China's claims in South China Sea, says 'PRC has no legal grounds to impose its will on the region'

The United States on Monday dismissed China's disputed claims to offshore resources in most of the South China Sea. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said,"We are strengthening US policy on South China Sea maritime claims, according to international law, in rejection of Beijing’s intimidation, bullying, and claims of maritime empire." "The PRC (People's Republic of China) has no legal grounds to impose its will on the region and claim resources off the coasts of Southeast Asian states,"Pompeo further said.