“It is past time to address the PRC’s bullying tactics in the South China Sea to enforce unlawful territorial claims against American allies and other sovereign nations.”
Washington – Yesterday, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) introduced a resolution to reaffirm the United States’ alliance with the Philippines and condemn the aggressive acts by China to advance their objectives in the Indo-Pacific through intimidation and military aggression.
The resolution was finalized only days after Chinese navy ships rammed Filipino vessels in areas where China has made sweeping territorial claims, one of several aggressive maneuvers by Chinese ships in the South China Sea.
The resolution is cosponsored by Representatives Juan Vargas (CA-52), Ami Bera (CA-06), and Mike Waltz (FL-06).
“The PRC’s continued aggression in the South China Sea, and especially toward American allies, must not go unaddressed any longer. This Congress will reaffirm the United States’ steadfast commitment to support the Philippines in the face of this aggression and end the PRC’s campaign of coercion in a region where their sovereignty does not reach,” said Rep. Issa.
“I’m proud to join my Congressional colleagues in solidifying the longstanding alliance between the United States and the Philippines,” said Rep. Vargas. “China’s harassment violates international law, and this bipartisan resolution reaffirms our support for the Philippines and their defense against China’s maritime incursions in the South China Sea.”
“I am honored to lead this bipartisan resolution, demonstrating unwavering solidarity with the Philippines while condemning the dangerous actions taken by the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea. The recent actions are part of a broader pattern of persistent aggression by the People’s Republic of China in the South China Sea which poses a threat to our allies and partners in the region. I commend the Biden Administration for its commitment to upholding the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty and its announcement to increase joint patrols with the Philippines and other partners in the South China Sea. The United States and Congress will continue to stand with our allies and partners against the PRC’s unlawful aggression and their flagrant disregard for international law,” said Rep. Bera.
“Now, more than ever, we must condemn China’s harassment and violation of international law in the South China Sea,” said Waltz. “This aggression by China’s Coast Guard and maritime militias endanger the Philippines, our allies in the region, and the safety of international waters. Proud to stand with my colleagues in Congress to affirm our commitment to defending the Philippines and international waters from China’s illegal and malicious maritime incursions.”
The text of the resolution can be found here.
Darrell Issa is the Representative of California’s 48th Congressional District. The District encompasses the central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County, including the communities of Fallbrook, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Lakeside, Poway, Temecula, Murrieta, and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line. Issa served as the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.
