The National Security Council welcomes Senate Resolution No. 409 introduced by Sen. Pete Ricketts and a bipartisan group of United States Senators reaffirming the 74-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines and condemning China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
This strong and unequivocal language of the Senate Resolution sends a clear signal that the world is watching and the Philippines is not alone. The resolution’s recognition that the MDT covers any attack on Philippine forces, vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea underscores the enduring strength of our alliance and the resolve to stand together against illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive (ICAD) actions.
In the face of continued harassment, blockades, and dangerous maneuvers against Philippine public vessels and fishermen in our own waters, we welcome the resolution’s call for the US to take appropriate and necessary actions to counter Chinese escalation and commit the US to expand joint patrols, training, cyber operations and support for Philippine defense modernization to strengthen deterrence and uphold freedom of navigation in the region.
The Philippines will continue to defend what is rightfully ours, anchored on UNCLOS, 2016 Arbitral Award, and domestic legislation through a modernized defense posture and through deeper partnerships with allies, partners, and like-minded nations.
As we commemorate the 74th year of the MDT, we reaffirm that our alliance with the United States is strong, our commitment to peace is unwavering, and that our determination to safeguard regional peace and security is absolute.
