Us Congress House Bill HR843

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/3/23
• Refer: 11/3/23

Caption

Reaffirming the United States-Philippines alliance and condemning the gray zone campaign of the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea against the Philippines, and for other purposes.

Impact

The resolution calls for a unified stance against China's unlawful maritime activities, which include the use of gray zone tactics—such as harassment of Philippine vessels as documented in several incidents throughout 2023. It emphasizes the U.S.'s commitment to the defense of Philippine forces and public vessels as outlined by the Mutual Defense Treaty. By affirming this treaty's applicability to potential armed attacks in the Pacific, HR843 aims to strengthen regional security frameworks and deter aggression by the PRC.

Summary

House Resolution 843 (HR843) reaffirms the strong alliance between the United States and the Philippines and condemns the aggressive actions of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the South China Sea. The resolution highlights the comprehensive relationship characterized by shared economic interests, familial ties, and mutual defense commitments established under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951. This alliance is presented as crucial in upholding democracy and international law in the region, particularly against China's territorial claims that conflict with established maritime laws.

Contention

Despite the resolution's intent to bolster the U.S.-Philippines alliance, there may be contention regarding its effectiveness in actual defense scenarios. Critics may question whether reaffirmations alone can ensure compliance from the PRC, given its historical rejection of international rulings like the 2016 UNCLOS tribunal decision, which invalidated China’s claims in the South China Sea. Furthermore, the resolution's language could provoke further tensions, culminating in more aggressive actions from China, thus raising concerns about escalating conflicts in the region.