Contact: Caroline Rabbitt (202) 224-2353
Washington, D.C.- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s decision in the case of the Philippines v. China concerning the South China Sea:
“This decision confirms what has been obvious for years: international law offers no cover for China’s brazen attempt to seize control of the South China Sea. If China expects to be treated as a responsible nation, it will recognize this decision, halt its artificial reclamation projects, and cease its dangerous harassment of other nations’ vessels. Freedom of navigation throughout the Pacific is a core national interest of the United States, one that ensures continued peace and prosperity for our nation and for our friends and allies. I will therefore continue my work to strengthen the U.S. Navy–the ultimate guarantor of freedom of the high seas–so it can sail wherever and whenever international law allows.”