South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026

This legislation requires the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive diplomatic engagement strategy for the South China Sea within 180 days, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense. The strategy aims to uphold freedom of navigation and international law, counter the People's Republic of China's unilateral claims, and protect United States economic and security interests in the region. It emphasizes a rules-based approach to resolving maritime disputes and ensuring regional stability. Key elements of the strategy include outlining overarching goals for engagement with littoral states , allies, and partners on security, diplomatic, legal, and economic matters. It will analyze existing engagement mechanisms, identify gaps, and detail plans for deepening both bilateral and collective engagements. These engagements will focus on bolstering defense capabilities, reinforcing maritime law enforcement, and managing territorial disputes to prevent security crises. Furthermore, the strategy will address responses to grey-zone tactics , including illegal fishing, and establish crisis management and response mechanisms for scenarios short of war. It also seeks to build resilience against foreign malign influence and economic coercion. Following the strategy's submission, the Secretary of State must identify necessary resources for its implementation and brief Congress on its progress.