Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Christopher Coons (D-DE) today announced a resolution celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the United States and the Philippines. The resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment to the defense of the Philippines under the MDT, particularly in response to persistent and escalating aggression by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. Both senators are members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“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 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 restore deterrence and ensure our ally can defend itself.”

“Chinese harassment against Filipinos simply trying to uphold their territorial sovereignty threatens global trade and security and could result in wider conflict,” said 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.”

The resolution:

1. Celebrates the 73rd anniversary of signing of MDT between United States & Philippines.

2. Appreciates trust & support for increased defense cooperation & U.S. military presence.

3. Acknowledges determination to resist PRC coercion.

4. Condemns PRC's unprovoked aggression in South China Sea.

5. Reaffirms Article IV extends armed attacks on Philippine forces anywhere in South China Sea.

6. Considers PRC aggression direct assaults on Philippine sovereignty.

7. Urges President for necessary actions against escalatory PRC behavior.

8. Supports deepening security cooperation including defense modernization & joint exercises.

9. Encourages other nations' political/security partnerships with Philippines.

10. Commits advancing cooperation among U.S., Philippines, Japan, Australia.

11.Reaffirms right to freedom of navigation/overflight respecting maritime rights ensuring free/open Indo-Pacific.