Ben Cardin actually said...

"Unilateral action by China caused a major problem at the time that could have escalated even more than it did."

"These activities are contrary to China's own, to their very own past pledges and are possibly violations of international law."

"Provocative conduct is not helpful at all, and we have seen more and more of these provocative incidents."

"I think that the foot-dragging on the code of conduct is a problem, and that is something that we shine a light on and encourage the parties, and particularly China, to get serious about resolving."