Sen. Jesse A. Lujan introduced Resolution 260-37 in support of Guam’s efforts in Congress to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Philippines amidst Chinese aggression in the Asia-Pacific region.
Lujan’s resolution, which supports Del. James Moylan’s House Resolution 837, highlights that the relationship between the U.S and the Philippines is important and vital to Guam.
Lujan urges his colleagues to fully support Moylan’s resolution in Congress.
“It is important, whenever possible, for Guam to come together and communicate to the U.S. Congress with a united front. In this case, every member of the 37th Guam Legislature should fully support House Resolution 837. Del. Moylan is seeking to have the U.S. government reaffirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to the Philippines, and we, the people on Guam agree with this unwavering support,” Lujan said in a statement.
The senator added that the People’s Republic of China “has been increasingly encroaching upon the sovereignty of the Philippines and using the growing Chinese military to harass the Philippine Navy and Philippine merchant vessels.”
“The United States must steadfastly stand with the Philippines against this bullying and aggression,” Lujan added.
Lujan’s resolution, which has yet to be adopted, declares that the Guam Legislature understands that maintaining stability and security in the Philippines is central to safeguarding the well-being and strategic interests of Guam and reinforcing the interconnected nature of regional security in the Pacific, and subsequently supports appropriate responses from the U.S. to the recent display of China’s increasing aggression in the region.
“The Guam Legislature should voice its complete support for the U.S. – Philippines Mutual Defense Commitment, as well as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,” Lujan said. “Since the Philippines and Guam share common maritime borders, any volatility with China or security threats involving the Philippines could have direct repercussions for Guam.”
Moylan in August appointed Lujan as his Guam-Philippines legislative liaison.
“The relationship between Guam and the Philippines is strong and very important. We need to support Del. Moylan as he ushers House Resolution 837 through the current Congress. Resolution No.260-37(LS) provides this support and should be backed unanimously by my colleagues,” Lujan added.
Source: Pacific Daily News