Sen. Jesse Anderson Lujan has introduced a local resolution to support a congressional effort to reaffirm ties between the U.S. and the Republic of the Philippines amid the latter’s conflicts with China.
Guam Del. James Moylan introduced House Resolution 837 at the beginning of, which would have the U.S. House of Representatives do four things:
- Reaffirm the United States’ commitment to invoke its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines if an armed attack against Philippine assets, including those of the Philippine Coast Guard, is committed in the South China Sea.
- Call on the United States and the Philippines to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea.
- Firmly objects to the People’s Republic of China’s false sovereignty claims to the South China Sea.
- Welcome swift implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to ensure the U.S. adheres to commitments to the Philippine people, and to foster a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Lujan introduced Resolution 260-37 on Tuesday, which states in part that developments affecting the security of the Philippines and its regional stability significantly impact Guam due to “geographical proximity and interconnected security concerns.” Because the Philippines and Guam share common maritime borders, any volatility or security threats involving the Philippines could have direct repercussions for the island, according to Resolution 260.
Lujan stated in a release announcing his resolution that it is important for Guam to come together whenever possible to communicate with Congress on a united front. Every member of the Guam Legislature should fully support House Resolution 837, he added.
“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. 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 stated in the release.
By: John O’Connor
Source: The Guam Daily Post