SINGAPORE, May 30 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter criticized China for expanding a chain of artificial islands in the South China Sea, saying it is "out of step" with international rules.
Carter, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue annual security gathering Saturday, said the U.S. would not shy away from confronting Beijing in its land grab and called for a "immediate and lasting halt" to its move to build islands on at least five tiny reefs to lay claim to vital shipping lanes.