Reaffirming the ties between the United States and the Philippines.

This resolution reaffirms the ties between the United States and the Philippines. The United States reaffirms its commitment to invoke its mutual defense treaty (signed in 1951, agreeing to support each other militarily if attacked) if Philippine assets are attacked in the South China Sea. The resolution also calls on the United States and the Philippines to begin joint patrols in the South China Sea, objects to Chinese sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, and welcomes swift implementation of the U.S-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (a 2014 agreement enabling the U.S. and Philippine militaries to train together, respond to humanitarian crises, and modernize military capabilities).