Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) issued the following statement in response to today’s ruling on the South China Sea arbitration case:

“I commend the Philippines, a longtime friend and partner of the United States, for working to resolve this conflict peacefully.  Beijing’s refusal to participate in these proceedings is particularly disappointing since they have participated and benefited from other international rulings at the World Trade Organization.

“China’s aggressive push in the South China Sea has alarmed many in the region.  Its efforts to control critical international shipping lanes should be rejected. Security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is in everyone’s interest. 

“It is my hope that the actors involved will work towards stability and peace in the Asia Pacific region.”

NOTE: Last week, the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific and the Committee on Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces convened a joint hearing with administration officials on South China Sea Maritime Disputes.  Video is available HERE.

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