US Senate Resolution Backs Philippines in South China Sea Dispute

A resolution introduced in the US Senate has reaffirmed America's defense commitments to the Philippines amid ongoing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. The measure, Senate Resolution No. 409 introduced by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), commemorates the 74th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two nations and explicitly states that the treaty covers Philippine assets in the South China Sea. The resolution urges President Trump to take appropriate actions in response to what it describes as escalatory behavior by Chinese forces.