This Senate resolution marks three anniversaries in the United States-Philippines relationship: 80 years of diplomatic relations, 75 years since the Mutual Defense Treaty, and 10 years since the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling about the South China Sea. The text lists recent security incidents, expanded military cooperation under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, exercises such as Balikatan, and economic efforts like the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica. It condemns the People's Republic of China for refusing to accept the 2016 arbitral ruling and for actions described in the resolution as coercive or aggressive in the South China Sea. The resolution affirms that Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty applies to attacks on Philippine forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea and urges continued U.S. support for Philippine defense and partnerships with other countries.
The resolution would express the Senate's positions: celebrating the U.S.-Philippines alliance; condemning the People's Republic of China's actions in the South China Sea; supporting deeper security and economic cooperation with the Philippines; urging the President to take actions to restore deterrence; and reaffirming treaty commitments such as Article IV. It highlights ongoing military exercises, expanded access for U.S. forces at agreed locations, and multilateral economic projects mentioned in the text.
No publicly available information.
Supporters, as reflected in the text, say the resolution: celebrates long-standing ties and shared history; condemns what it calls unlawful and coercive Chinese behavior in the South China Sea; supports strengthening Philippine defense, interoperability, and joint exercises; backs economic initiatives like the Luzon Economic Corridor and Pax Silica to boost supply chain and critical-minerals cooperation; and calls for continued U.S. actions to help restore deterrence and defend maritime rights under international law.
No publicly available information.