Washington, DC – Today, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Chairwoman Young Kim (CA-40), Ranking Member Ami Bera (CA-06), Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (TX-10), and Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-07) issued the following statement to condemn the Chinese Coast Guard’s unlawful actions in the South China Sea.
“We unequivocally support the Philippines and condemn the unlawful actions by the Chinese Coast Guard in the South China Sea. The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels intentionally hit Philippine Coast Guard ships over the weekend and continue to violate international law, endanger Filipino crew members, and obstruct Philippine vessels’ access in their own exclusive economic zone.
“This incident is part of a larger pattern of the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the Maritime Militia, and Chinese Coast Guard’s aggressive and provocative behavior in the South China Sea, where it actively intrudes in other states exclusive economic zones. We condemn Beijing’s maritime intimidation and welcome the Biden Administration’s announcement to increase joint patrols with the Philippines and other partners in the South China Sea, and its reaffirmation to uphold its commitment under the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty,” the members said.
