China's increasing display of aggression to strengthen territorial claims in the Asia Pacific Region has reached the halls of the U.S. Senate.

On June 10, U.S. senators Robert Menendez, Benjamin Cardin, Marco Rubio and Bob Corker, filed Senate Resolution 167. condemning the use of threat and force by feuding countries in the region, particularly China.

One country that welcomed the news positively is the Philippines, which just recently reported the incursion of 18 Chinese maritime ships within its territory.

In a statement released on Friday, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said "We extend our appreciation on the mere fact that some U.S. senators have deemed it necessary to express their views on a fundamental issue that affects the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region."

"The Philippines especially appreciates the reaffirmation of the peaceful resolution of disputes, including through arbitration; its condemnation of the use of threat or use of force; its recognition of the significance of the role of ASEAN and of the code of conduct; and its support for the ongoing and deepening efforts of the U.S. in the region relating to ensuring freedom of navigation, maintenance of peace and stability, and respect for universally recognized principles of international law," the statement added.

U.S. Senate Resolution 167, which has been referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations, is expected to undergo the required congressional hearings before it passes the U.S. Senate. It reaffirms Washington's support for the amicable settlement of territorial row in the whole region.

Among the several alarming incidents cited by the resolution were China's aggressive operations in the East China Sea and the West Philippine Sea. These include:

- China ships cutting the seismic survey cables of a Vietnamese oil exploration ship in May 2011;

- Chinese vessels blocking the Scarborough Reef lagoon entrance in April 2012;

- China issuing an "official map" that illustrates its contested "9-dash-line" as the country's border;

- Chinese naval and surveillance ships establishing routine presence since May 2013 around the Second Thomas Shoal, located just about 105 nautical miles northwest of Palawan, Philippines.

The resolution also cited China's continuing efforts to expand its administrative control over Sansha City, located in the West Philippine Sea. It has built a new military post in the disputed area.

It likewise mentioned China's bold moves against Japan since the start of 2013. In January, a naval ship of China reportedly directed its targeting radar on Japanese ships operating near the islands of Senkaku. In April, eight Chinese marine surveillance vessels also entered Japan's 12-nautical-mile exclusive zone off Senkaku. These actions have consequently raised tension in the region.

Beijing's unilateral actions have not escaped the attention of the U.S. senators as well. They said that on its own, Beijing declared the Senkaku Islands as being a "core interest," inappropriately drawing territorial lines around the islands. It asserted its military presence in the area which has long been under the control of Japan.

The resolution is seeking a united stand from the U.S. Senate to condemn "the use of coercion, threats, or force by naval, maritime security, or fishing vessels and military or civilian aircraft in the South China Sea and the East China Sea to assert disputed maritime or territorial claims or alter the status quo."

It appealed to all countries involved in the territorial disputes to observe diplomacy and restraint to avoid any action that would only increase the tension in the region.