S.Res. 409 — A resolution recognizing the 74th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines and the strong bilateral security alliance between our two nations in the wake of escalating aggression and political lawfare by the People's Republic of China in the South China Sea.

This section expresses the sense of the Senate (1) celebrating the 74th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty; (2) appreciating Philippine support for the bilateral alliance and increased U.S. military presence; (3) acknowledging Philippine resistance to coercion by China; (4) condemning China's aggression and lawfare in the South China Sea; (5) rejecting China's plans for a national nature reserve at Scarborough Reef; (6) reaffirming that Mutual Defense Treaty Article IV covers armed attacks on Philippine forces in the South China Sea; (7) considering Chinese aggression in the Philippine exclusive economic zone an assault on its sovereignty; (8) urging the President to respond to Chinese escalations; (9) supporting deepened U.S.-Philippines security cooperation; (10) supporting other nations' partnerships with the Philippines; (11) committing to advance cooperation among the U.S., Philippines, Japan, South Korea, and Australia; and (12) reaffirming U.S. commitment to freedom of navigation and a free Indo-Pacific.