Statement from Rep. Chris Smith, Chairman of the bipartisan Congressional-Executive China Commission on the UNCLOS Decision:

“Unfortunately, I don’t think this decision will modify China’s present course of action, and may even lead to  escalated hostilities, depending on Beijing’s strategic calculations. We all want China to accept the Permanent Court of Arbitration decision, as it is a party to the Law of the Sea treaty, but that is wishful thinking at this point. I fear Beijing may decide more aggressive actions will force recognition of their regional ascendancy, betting that a lame-duck U.S. President will not enforce any ‘red-lines’ or risk the cost of military confrontation. It is a sad thing to say, but President Obama believes in the decline of U.S. global leadership, it drives most of his foreign policy decisions, anything less than China’s retreat in the South China Sea will demonstrate the weakness of his policies, the next Administration will have a big job restoring U.S. prestige and influence in the world.”

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