This bill strengthens the U.S.-Philippines partnership across economic, diplomatic, and military areas in response to Chinese actions in the South China Sea. On the economic side, it directs the State Department to negotiate a critical minerals agreement with the Philippines within 180 days, requires the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to prioritize mining and fossil fuel projects there, and mandates an interagency plan to improve infrastructure supporting military and disaster operations. Diplomatically, the bill establishes that U.S. policy treats China's South China Sea actions as "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive" tactics and authorizes $5 million for fiscal 2025 to support a multilateral agreement involving the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan. Militarily, it establishes a U.S.-Philippines Security Consultative Committee within 180 days to coordinate defense strategies, directs the Pentagon to assess gaps in Philippine defense capabilities and report on feasibility of improving force positions at Second Thomas Shoal, and authorizes new bilateral security agreements. The bill requires regular congressional briefings on implementation progress.
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