This bill directs the Secretary of State, working with the Secretary of Defense, to develop a formal strategy for U.S. diplomatic engagement in the South China Sea within 180 days of enactment. The strategy must outline goals for working with allies and partners, including the littoral states of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, as well as Taiwan, on issues such as defense capabilities, maritime law enforcement, illegal fishing, territorial disputes, crisis management, foreign influence, and economic coercion. The legislation reaffirms U.S. support for freedom of navigation and a rules-based approach to resolving maritime disputes, while pushing back against Chinese efforts to unilaterally dominate the region. Within 360 days, the State Department must identify any programs, policies, or budget resources needed to implement the strategy for fiscal years 2027 through 2029, followed by a congressional briefing within 30 days after that. The bill explicitly states it does not change existing U.S. policy toward Taiwan or China under the longstanding One China Policy framework.
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