US Senate reaffirms MDT with PH, condemns China's WPS aggression

A bipartisan group of US senators has filed Senate Resolution 409, reaffirming the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines and condemning China's escalating aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

The resolution explicitly states that the MDT covers attacks on Philippine forces, vessels, and aircraft anywhere in the South China Sea.

It condemns China's "unprovoked aggression and political lawfare," citing incidents from 2024 and 2025.

Notable incidents mentioned include China's Coast Guard planting a flag on Sandy Cay and a dangerous maneuver near Scarborough Shoal.

The National Security Council welcomed the resolution, with National Security Adviser Sec. Eduardo Año stating it "sends a clear signal that the world is watching and the Philippines is not alone."

Año also welcomed the resolution's call for the US government to help "counter Chinese escalation" through expanded joint patrols, training, cyber operations, and support for defense modernization.