The U.S. Senate has condemned China's use of force in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

Senators voted unanimously Monday to adopt a resolution that “deplores the use of force” by Chinese vessels in the strategic maritime zone claimed by several countries. The resolution calls for a peaceful solution of these disputes.

In recent weeks, tensions have escalated in the area around the uninhabited Spratley and Paracel islands in the South China Sea, which China claims as its territory. The Philippines and Vietnam have reported incidents with Chinese vessels in the potentially resource-rich area.

The two countries, as well as Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, have overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.

The United States Saturday called on China to ease the tensions through dialogue with other nations with claims in the region.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell discussed the issue with his Chinese counterpart Cui Tiankai at a meeting in Honolulu. He said the United States supports a strong role for Beijing, but added that China must ease regional concerns regarding its military expansion.

China earlier warned Washington against involvement in the growing dispute.