Cory Gardner

Thank you to the witnesses for your testimony today.

I mean, one of the things I am most proud of and that has really taken place is that there is a renaissance in the relationship between the United States and the Philippines.

I think the general point to recognize here is that, in diplomacy, there are areas that cannot be immediately resolved.

But I think, in many respects, we have a moment when the United States is going to be asked that very question by our allies.

This is a country that views the United States as a declining power.

I have no quarrel with the Chinese people... I have a big quarrel with the Chinese Communist Party.

I think, over time, China will start to adjust its position because they will realize that, right now, it is not in their best strategic interests.

I think, in a way, Xi tried to use these to basically assist in the nationalist drive in his own domestic efforts.

He has essentially dismantled collective leadership in China. He makes all the decisions.

I think we have to watch China's reaction. If not, then we can take some stiffer actions ourselves.

I think if you look at Chinese actions over the last 6 or 7 months, they, in fact, have been tapering off from the aggressive activities of last year or 2.

Obviously, there is a lot of discussion that we have to have in light of the tribunal decision yesterday, this very strong decision that goes to the very heart of a rules-based system and a rules-based order of international law.

Now what we have seen in China of late are some tendencies to want to go back to really a 19th century spheres of influence approach.

What the United States and other countries have done has created an operating system in Asia, right?

This ruling in many respects is about a fundamental struggle that is ongoing in the Asia-Pacific region right now in which we play a key part.

I would also add, echoing Senator Cardin, that the decision makes it very clear that the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea is very much in the American interests, and I hope that this committee can move it forward again.

I believe that the issue on which we can clearly draw a bottom line would be at Scarborough Shoal, where we should make it clear that the U.S. will support the Philippines to oppose Chinese aggression, if necessary, by military force.

Earlier this year, Senator Gardner and I introduced the Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Act of 2016.

Will China help to support peace and stability in Asia? Or seek to overturn the order?

The ruling also underscores the need for the Senate to take action to ratify the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea.

We must continue to be clear and consistent in our policy to oppose unilateral actions by any claimant seeking to change the status quo through the use of coercion, intimidation, or military force.

I believe the ruling is a good precedent for other South China Sea claimants to seek resolution of maritime disputes through peaceful means.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

What China is basically challenging is that world order.

I want to ensure my constituents that--I want to ensure their private information is protected.