Why H.Res. 1412 Matters: 

The United States has significant economic and diplomatic interest in the South China Sea, which serves as one of the most critical trade routes in the world. The Coast Guard of the People’s Republic of China has repeatedly violated the sovereignty of U.S. partners in the region, threatening maritime traffic and enforcing unlawful territorial claims. China asserts these claims through the “nine-dash line,” a demarcation that outlines China’s claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, despite its rejection by neighboring countries and global governing bodies. These actions directly contravene international maritime law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. If the United States does not take action, it risks signaling to other countries that they too can disregard the rules-based international order, enabling China to continue asserting its illegal territorial claims.

H.Res. 1412 — Condemning the PRC Coast Guard — Will: 

–  Strengthen strategic partnerships by prioritizing alliances with Australia, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and India to enhance cooperation and counter China’s aggressive actions while promoting regional security in the Indo-Pacific.‍

–  Call out China’s unlawful violations and send a message to our allies by condemning the PRC Coast Guard’s breaches of international maritime law, making clear that the U.S. stands firmly with its partners in protecting territorial integrity.

–  Demand that China uphold international law by insisting that it respects freedom of navigation, territorial integrity, and removes its unlawful maritime claims, holding China accountable for its repeated violations of established international law.

–  Encourage sanctions against CCP officials facilitating aggression by advocating for measures like sanctions and visa restrictions on Chinese Communist Party officials who enable acts of aggression, ensuring they face consequences for undermining international boundaries.

What Congress Should Do:

The YGRG recommends that the House Committee on Foreign Affairs supports H.Res. 1412.