Ricketts, Coons Resolution Celebrates the 74th Anniversary of Our Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Chris Coons (D-DE), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific, & International Cybersecurity Policy, announced a resolution celebrating the 74th 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.
“I have seen firsthand Communist China’s illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive actions against the Philippines,” said Senator Ricketts. “Last month, a China Coast Guard vessel recklessly collided with a PLAN destroyer. Last week, Communist China made a sham declaration of a ‘national nature reserve’ at Scarborough Reef. These are just two recent examples of Communist China’s malign behavior. It’s clear Communist China knows no limits to imposing its illegitimate, territorial claims. This resolution is a reminder to all that the United States will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Filipino allies. We will continue to honor the mutual security commitments that have anchored our alliance for 74 years.”
“For nearly three-quarters of a century, the Philippines has been a steadfast ally and one of our staunchest partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific, ” said Senator Coons. “When Senator Ricketts and I traveled there earlier this year, we saw not only China’s growing aggression, but also a nation excited to strengthen our partnership. The Philippines has a million new workers a year ready to help us create the kind of defenses, manufacturing, and resilient supply chains that will make both our countries stronger. It has never been more urgent that we support each other and expand our security and economic relationship.”
The resolution:
- Celebrates the 74th 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 unprovoked aggression and political lawfare in the South China Sea to enforce its unlawful territorial and sovereignty claims;
- Rejects the People’s Republic of China’s coercive and destabilizing plans to establish a so-called “national nature reserve” at Scarborough Reef;
- 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 a direct assault on its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
- Urges the President to continue 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 advance 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.
Co-sponsors of the resolution include U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Rick Scott (R-FL), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ted Budd (R-NC), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Michael Bennet (D-CO).
View a PDF of the resolution here.