Senators Coons, Ricketts introduce resolution celebrating the 73rd anniversary of our mutual defense treaty with the Philippines

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) introduced a resolution celebrating the 73^rd anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the United States and Philippines. The resolution reaffirms the United States' commitment to the defense of the Philippines under the MDT, particularly in the wake of persistent and escalating aggression by the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea.

"Chinese harassment against Filipinos simply trying to uphold their territorial sovereignty threatens global trade and security and could result in wider conflict," said Senator Coons. "As we celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippines alliance and pledge to stand with our Filipino partners in their efforts to defend their territorial sovereignty and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific."

"For 73 years, the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty has served as the foundation of our alliance and steadfast commitment to each other's security," said Senator Ricketts. "This commitment is more important than ever given the PRC's increased harassment and intimidation of our allies and partners in the South China Sea. We must continue to send a clear message to Beijing that the United States stands with the Philippines and will act to retore deterrence and ensure our ally can defend itself."

The resolution:

• Celebrates the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines and the longstanding alliance between our two nations;
• Appreciates the trust of the Philippine people in the bilateral alliance, and their support for increased defense cooperation and U.S. military presence in the Philippines;
• Acknowledges the determination of the Philippine people and their armed forces to resist PRC coercion;
• Condemns the PRC's persistent and unprovoked aggression in the South China Sea to enforce its unlawful territorial and sovereignty claims;
• Reaffirms that Article IV of the Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on the armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft of the Philippines, including the Philippine Coast Guard, anywhere in the South China Sea;
• Considers PRC aggression in the Philippines' internationally-recognized exclusive economic zone to be direct assaults on its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
• Urges the president to take appropriate and necessary actions in response to escalatory PRC behavior to restore deterrence and help the Philippines defend itself;
• Supports the unwavering commitment of the United States to deepening security cooperation with the Philippines, including advancing its defense modernization and enhancing interoperability through military exercises, training, joint patrols, and increased information sharing;
• Supports other nations growing their political and security partnerships with the Philippines;
• Commits to increase cooperation among the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia;
• Reaffirms the U.S. commitment to the right to freedom of navigation and overflight, respecting maritime rights under international law, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Senators Coons and Ricketts are both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

You can read the full resolution here.