S. 4600 · On the floor · International Affairs

South China Sea Strategy Act of 2026

What it does

Requires the Secretary of State to submit a South China Sea diplomatic engagement strategy within 180 days that includes overarching engagement goals, designated coordinating office, analysis of existing programs, and gaps in engagement with littoral states, allies, and partners.
Directs the strategy to detail plans for bilateral engagement with each littoral state and collective engagements with multiple states on defense capabilities, maritime law enforcement, gray-zone tactics, maritime dispute management, crisis response, resilience to foreign interference, and economic development.
Requires the Secretary of State to identify necessary programs, policies, and budgetary resources to support strategy implementation for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029 within 360 days of enactment.
Mandates the Secretary of State brief appropriate congressional committees within 30 days after submission of the resource assessment on strategy implementation.

Jul 27, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 512.

Committee: Senate Foreign Relations