House resolution reaffirms US-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The U.S. House of Representatives has upheld the United States’ commitment to come to the Philippines’ defense if China attacked its maritime operations in the South China Sea.
House members last week passed House Resolution 837 reaffirming the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and condemning China’s aggressive actions against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.
Guam Del. James Moylan, author of House Resolution 837, said China’s “provocative maneuvers threaten the peace and stability of the region
while violating international law.”
Considering Guam's proximity to the Philippines and China, any contingency response or reinforcement is likely to launch from the U.S. military's installations on the island.
“While we continue to promote peace within the region, we must also be resilient and ready during uncertain times. H.Res. 837 accomplishes
this as a stance and as a message,” Moylan said.
The resolution— passed unanimously via a voice vote on the floor and was cosponsored by 43 House members— calls on the United States and the Philippines to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea.
It also urges swift implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 2014 agreement that enables the U.S. and Philippine militaries to train together, respond to humanitarian crises and modernize military capabilities.
Moylan, who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chairs the House Philippines Caucus, introduced the measure “as a testament to the deep-rooted bonds of friendship, shared values, and mutual interests that have
defined the relationships between the two countries, including the relationship between Guam and the Philippines,” according to a press release from his office.
“The relationship between Guam and the Philippines is unique, with many similarities, but we also have many historical ties. Many likenesses unite our communities, from culinary specialties to the culture, language, and other aspects.
Besides reaffirming the Mutual Defense Treaty to protect the Philippines and the surrounding region against aggressive actions by foreign adversaries, Moylan said the resolution was “also about a commitment to protect the families of those Guamanians who reside in the Philippines in the event of unprovoked attacks.”
During his fourth visit to the Philippines on Nov. 18, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III discussed defense cooperative activities and regional security concerns with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.
“They highlighted the need for deeper coordination to address challenges in the South China Sea, where lawful operations by the Philippines have encountered repeated harassment by the People’s Republic of China,” states a press release from the Department of Defense.
“Secretary Austin underscored continued U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction. He reaffirmed the department’s commitment to bolstering the Philippines’ defense capabilities and capacity to resist coercion,” the department added.
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