BRIEFER: COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER

Profile

COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER
US SENATOR CORY SCOTT GARDNER
Chair, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee
on East Asia and the Pacific1
BACKGROUND
 Born: 22 August 1974
 Married, with three children
EDUCATION
 Juris Doctor, University of Colorado, 2001
 Political Science, Colorado State University, 1997
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE
 US Senator (2015-present), Republican – Colorado
 US Representative, 4th District of Colorado (2011-2015)

1 Senator Gardner co-sponsored the following: Asia Pacific Maritime Security Initiative Act; Resolution calling for

all parties to respect the Arbitral Tribunal ruling on the South China Sea and to express US policy on freedom
of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas; and Filipino Veterans of World War II
Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2015.

 BRIEFER: COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER

PH-US
Bilateral
Relation
s2

Trade
 PH’s 3rd top trading partner in 2016 (out of 226) at US$15.83 billion, a 4%
decline from US$16.49 billion in 2015 due to decrease in both exports
(e.g., static converters) and imports (e.g., materials for semiconductor
devices)




PH’s 2nd largest export market (out of 213), and 3 rd biggest import supplier
(out of 206)
PH Top Export: digital monolithic integrated circuits
PH Top Import: materials for the manufacture of dice

Balance of trade (BOT): US$1.50 billion (exports exceeded imports),
positive BOT since 2006
 Areas for trade promotion: processed foods (e.g., seafood, fruits), designdriven products (e.g., furniture), and services (e.g. IT, manufacturing).
Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA)-Approved Investments
 PH’s 3rd largest investor at P31.43 billion (US$661.74 million) in 2016, a
44.56% growth from P21.74 billion (US$477.79 million) in 2015 due to
increase in investments in transportation and storage, and information and
communication, among others





Other areas include manufacturing; administrative and support services; and
electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply

Companies operating in the PH with US equity include GNPower Ltd. Co.,
Tiger Resort, and Eaton Industries Philippines, LLC.
 Sectors for investment promotion: IT-BPO, processed products,
manufacturing (e.g., electronics, food/agribusiness), and infrastructure.
 PH companies in the US: Metrobank, Philippine National Bank, LBC
Mabuhay USA, Jollibee, and GMA Network.
Official Development Assistance
 PH’s 4th largest source of active ODA (US$1.34 billion) in grants as of
December 2016 (1st – JP, 2nd – WB, 3rd – ADB, 5th – AU)
Tourist Arrivals
 PH’s 2nd largest tourist market from 2010 (600,165) to 2016 (869,463), an
increase of 44.87%.
Overseas Filipinos
 3,566,001 as of June 2016
 26,242 Filipinos in the State of Colorado in 2010 (18.9% of Asian
population)


2 Sources: DTI, NEDA, and DOT, Inputs for the Courtesy call of US Senator Cory Gardner.

 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
TALKING POINTS FOR THE COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR
CORY GARDNER, COLORADO (REPUBLICAN), CHAIR, SENATE
FOREIGN RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE
PACIFIC
Background: The subcommittee deals with US’ relations with the
countries of East Asia and the Pacific, as well as regional
intergovernmental organizations including ASEAN and APEC. This
subcommittee’s regional responsibilities include: terrorism and
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons; crime and illicit narcotics; US
foreign assistance programs; and the promotion of US trade and
exports. The subcommittee also has global responsibility for
international cybersecurity and space policy.
Senator Gardner intends to have a quiet visit to engage our
leadership, as he is very interested in the security and intelligence
angle of Philippines-US relations. He is very eager to develop
relations with the Philippines and comes from a “pro-engagement”
strategy.
During then Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo’s
meeting with Senator Gardner on 05 May 2017, the Senator
stated, among others, that economic investments were important
to maintain positive growth and the US was looking at
opportunities to enhance long-term economic partnership with the
Philippines. He also noted that US engagement with ASEAN was
critical, given the security challenges the region faces, particularly
North Korea. He also showed interest in the country’s South China
Sea policy, and noted with interest the Philippines’ initiative, as
ASEAN Chair, on the Framework on the Code of Conduct. He also
expressed interest in partnering with the Philippines on
counterterrorism efforts.
PLEASANTRIES
 Welcome to the Philippines, Senator.
meet you here in Manila.

I am pleased to

 Your visit shall provide you with a more personal and
intimate awareness of developments in my country. I am
hopeful your visit will serve to underscore the importance
of further strengthening Philippines-US relations in view
of our shared values and common strategic interests.
 With nearly four million Americans of Filipino descent in
the US - and thousands of them in Colorado - there is
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
reason to continue working closely to ensure ties between
our nations remain positive and vibrant.
 As of June 2016, there are 3,566,001 Filipinos in the US,
according to the January-June 2016 Report to Congress. In
2010, the US Census accounted 26,242 Filipinos in the State of
Colorado.
 I believe the Senator will play a key role in the formulation
of the United States Senate's foreign affairs policies in the
Asia-Pacific. Certainly, regional security and stability
considerations will need to be taken into account. I trust
that the Senator's visit here will help provide a clearer
view. I am instructing my Foreign Affairs Secretary to
work closer with you on this matter. Our Embassy will be
ready to provide assistance, should you need it in DC.
 This year is ASEAN’s 50th anniversary and the 40th
anniversary of ASEAN-US relations. We look forward to
President Donald Trump’s active participation in the East
Asia Summit and the ASEAN-US Leaders’ Summit in
November to highlight the importance of these ties.
DEFENSE AND SECURITY COOPERATION
 The Philippines and the US have an enduring alliance. You
are the only treaty ally of the Philippines. We should work
together to give more meaning and relevance to this
alliance.
 The recently-concluded Balikatan exercises focused on
humanitarian
assistance
and
disaster
relief
joint
operations. This is a window for important capacity
building exercises that must be opened wider, with a focus
on building self-reliance.

 The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), signed
on 28 April 2014, was envisioned to advance the
implementation of the Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty.
To improve existing joint training exercises such as the
Balikatan and humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR)
cooperation activities, the EDCA provided for the construction
of facilities and infrastructure upgrades; and the storage and
prepositioning of defense and HADR equipment, supplies, and
material.
COUNTER-TERRORISM COOPERATION
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
 Terrorism and violent extremism are scourges both our
countries continue to face. Only through cooperation can
we hope to finally break the backbone of terrorism and
violent extremism.
 Terrorism and violent extremism are major threats to the
security of our region, the progress we are trying to
sustain and the safety and lives of Filipino and American
citizens around the globe. ISIS has been attempting to
gain a foothold in the Southeast Asian region, including
the Philippines. We must not let them advance any
further.

 In light of recent reports of a possible declaration by ISIS of a
province in Mindanao as a satellite office of ISIS in Southeast
Asia, cooperation with the USto defeat ISIS may be considered
as a key priority area of cooperation. Defeating ISIS is a key
component of President Trump’s “America First Foreign Policy”
pillar.


We thank the US government for its statement of
solidarity for the counterterrorism efforts against the
Maute Group. As we speak, our Armed Forces has ongoing
military offensives to flush out the Maute members and
other possible local and foreign terrorists linked to the
group.

 On 25 May 2017, the White House issued the following
statement of solidarity with the Philippines: “The US condemns
the recent violence perpetrated by an ISIS-linked terrorist
group in the southern Philippines. These cowardly terrorists
killed Philippine law enforcement officials and endangered the
lives of innocent citizens. The US will continue to provide
support and assistance to Philippine counterterrorism efforts.
The US is a proud ally of the Philippines, and we will continue
to work with the Philippines to address shared threats to the
peace and security of our countries.”
ECONOMIC COOPERATION
 We take due note of the Senator’s proposals to promote a
US-led trade and market access in Asia.

 Senator Gardner will reportedly file the Asia Reassurance
Initiative Act to promote a US-led trade and market access in
Asia by (1) strengthening security commitments to US allies in
Asia and building their capabilities to deter aggression and
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
combat terrorism; (2) promoting US’ economic engagement
and market access in Asia; (3) and enshrining human rights
and democracy promotion as US’ objectives in the region.
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
(USAID) PROJECTS IN MINDANAO

 We note US' assistance on various governance-related
projects in Mindanao. This contributes to the development
of the region. We hope that both our countries can
continue to cooperate in order to meet our development
goals in Mindanao.
 The USAID has ongoing projects in Marawi, Cotabato,
Zamboaanga, Basilan, and Sulu, such as the Enhancing
Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) Project
(2013-2018),
Mindanao
Health
(2013-2018),
Padayon
Mindanao that supports literacy and peace-building in
Mindanao, and Mindanao Youth for Development (2013-2018).
 As of December 2016, the US is the Philippines’ 4 th largest
source of active Official Development Assistance at US$1.34
billion.
CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS
 The fight against illegal drugs is a priority of my
administration. I am determined to put an end to the
illicit drug trade. Illegal drug trade money is helping fund
instability in my country. It will be dealt with accordingly,
with the full force of the law employed to destroy the
illegal drug trade apparatus.
 We appreciate the US' support for the Philippines’
comprehensive war against the illegal drugs trade. I hope
we can continue to find ways to work together to
completely dismantle and destroy the apparatus of the
illegal drug trade.

 Stopping drugs from pouring into US communities is a key
pillar of President Trump’s mantra of “Standing Up For Our Law
Enforcement Community”.
 Existing areas of cooperation between the Philippines and the
US include intelligence sharing, and funding assistance for
capability building of law enforcement authorities.
 In November 2016, Department of State Assistant Secretary
William Brownfield of Bureau of International Narcotics and
Law Enforcement Affairs stated that the US was in the process
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
of adjusting the nature of anti-illegal drug cooperation
between the Philippines and the US to focus on three areas:
drug demand reduction, treatment, and rehabilitation;
maritime law enforcement to interdict drug shipments by sea;
and rule of law issues such as support for human rights
training of law enforcement officials and strengthening of the
courts.
SOUTH CHINA SEA/WEST PHILIPPINE SEA ISSUE
 Thank you for your statement of support on the award
rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on the South China Sea
Arbitration Case. We affirm and respect the award as an
important contribution to the effort to pursue peaceful
resolution and management of our disputes.
 Let me reiterate the Philippines' principled position that
we must faithfully adhere to the supremacy of the law and
rely on the primacy of rules as responsible members of
the international community.

 On 12 July 2016, the Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
rendered its award in favor of the Philippines.
 Following the issuance of the award, the US Department of
State issued a statement on the same day, stating that the
arbitration is an important contribution to the peaceful
resolution of disputes in the South China Sea. The statement
also urged all claimants to avoid provocative statements or
actions, noting that the said decisions should serve as a new
opportunity to renew efforts to address maritime disputes
peacefully.
 Senator Gardner also issued a statement, upholding the
importance of the ruling, as it confirmed that China's actions
and claims in the South China Sea were contrary to
international law. He said that “China must abide by the
decisions of the tribunal and cease all reclamation and
militarization activities in the South China Sea that violate the
sovereignty of its neighbors and undermine peace and stability
in the region.”
 My engagement with China has lowered the tensions in
the South China Sea. Both sides remain in constant and
open dialogue, where we are able to have frank and open
discussions, as well as address sensitive issues such as
reports of Chinese activities in the South China Sea.
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017

 During the 20th Philippine-China FMC, both sides came to an ad
referendum agreement on the establishment of the bilateral
consultation mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea (SCS).
The BCM will discuss issues of concern to eitherside and
cooperation in the SCS, and will serve as a platform for
confidence-building and promoting maritime cooperation and
security. The Inaugural Meeting of the BCM on the South China
Sea (SCS) was held on 19 May 2017 in Guiyang, China.
 We have agreed to fully reactivate regular consultative
mechanisms.
This month, we convened the recentlyestablished Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on issues
pertaining to the South China Sea. These are positive
steps taken in the interest of maintaining peace, security,
and stability in the region.
 While the Philippines engages China on bilateral talks, it
is committed to the rule of law, to the respect of legal and
diplomatic processes, and to abide by international law,
particularly the UNCLOS.
 The Philippines welcomes the finalization by ASEAN and
China senior officials of the draft framework of the Code of
Conduct. The Philippines is committed to working closely
with all relevant stakeholders towards an effective Code
of Conduct for the South China Sea.

 On 17 May 2017, the senior officials from ASEAN and China
completed the negotiation of the draft COC framework, ahead
of the mid-2017 timeline set by the leaders of ASEAN member
states and China. The draft framework will be presented to the
Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and China at their Post-Ministerial
Conference in Manila in August 2017 for their consideration. It
includes elements that parties have agreed upon and will
provide guidance as basis for consultations on the COC.
SITUATION IN THE KOREAN PENINSULA
 Mr. Senator, I have spoken with President Trump on the
situation in the Korean Peninsula, and both of us
expressed grave concern on North Korea’s ballistic missile
launches. I also informed him that our region is most
vulnerable if the situation takes a turn for the worse.

 Recent ballistic tests of the North Korea are the following:
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
o On 11 February 2017, North Korea claimed to have
successfully launched a medium-to-long range ballistic
missiles, which fell in Korean and Japanese territories.
o On 06 March 2017, it released four ballistic missiles towards
the Sea of Japan.
o On 05 April 2017, it launched a medium-range ballistic
missile into the Sea of Japan two days prior to the US-China
Summit Meeting between US President Trump and China
President Xi Jinping.
o On 15 April 2017, it launched a ballistic missile from the
Sanpo region, but was reported to have failed during the
launch.
o On 29 April 2017, it test-fired a ballistic missile from an area
north of Pyongyang. Reports indicate that the said test
appeared to have failed.
o On 14 May 2017, it launched a newly-developed mediumrange ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan (East Sea). The
missile travelled approximately 700 kilometers before
crashing into the Sea of Japan.
o On 21 May 2017, it fired a ballistic missile into waters off its
east coast. The missile was launched from a location near
Pukchang, 60 km north-east of the capital Pyongyang. The
missile flew about 500kmand landed outside Japan’s
exclusive economic zone. No damage to ships or airplanes
was reported.
o On 29 May 2017, it fired a short-range ballistic missile that
landed in the sea off its east coast, the latest in a series of
missile tests. South Korean officials said the missile was
believed to be a Scud-class ballistic missile and flew about
450 km (280 miles). North Korea has a large stockpile of the
short-range missiles, originally developed by the Soviet
Union.
 During the call with the US President, the President expressed
his and the ASEAN leaders’ concern on the ballistic missile
launches by North Korea. He told the US President that he
would call the Chinese President for possible peaceful
settlement on the issue. To this, the US President asked the
President to inform Chinese President Xi Jinping that everyone
was counting on China to address the issue.
 I also spoke with President Xi Jinping, and conveyed to
him the concern of the Philippines, the ASEAN, and the US
over the tensions in the Korean Peninsula.
 During our talk, President Xi emphasized that the solution
should be holistic and balanced, taking into consideration
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
the needs of all parties concerned. He noted the need for
all parties concerned to engage in dialogue and
negotiation.

 On 03 May 2017, the President and Chinese President Xi
Jinping had a telephone conversation to discuss the situation in
the Korean Peninsula. The President said US President Donald
Trump requested him to talk to the Chinese President
regarding China’s role in helping defuse the tension in the
Korean Peninsula, as China could “lessen tension and bring
peace” in the region. The President expressed that the ASEAN
leaders were very worried, and North Korea’s “atomic weapons
and warships will not help.”
 President Xi said that while China was not a major player in the
Korean Peninsula problem and did not hold the key to the
solution, it was committed to the denuclearization of the
Korean Peninsula, the upholding of peace in the region, and to
having a negotiated settlement. Per the Chinese President, the
problem must be approached from a holistic perspective
taking into account its root problems and causes. Any solution
must address the needs of all concerned parties in a balanced
way, and they must meet halfway. President Xi responded that
there was a need for dialogue and that peace was everyone’s
interest. The President said he would convey said message to
President Trump and the concerned ASEAN Members States.
 Following the conversation, the President immediately wrote
US President Trump informing the latter that he had already
conveyed with Chinese President Xi the US President’s
message. He also conveyed to President Trump the response
and message of President Xi.
 As President of the Philippines and Chair of the ASEAN,
let me reiterate the Philippines and ASEAN’s call for all
parties to work together to defuse tensions in the Korean
Peninsula and create conditions conducive to peace and
stability in the region. We also call on all parties to find a
negotiated settlement that will address the concerns in
the region.

 In his intervention during the ASEAN Summit on 29 April 2017,
the President urged all parties concerned to come to a
dialogue to avert conflict, which could detrimentally affect the
entire ASEAN region.
 The Statements of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers on 28 April
2017 and the ASEAN Leaders on 29 April 2017 expressed
grave concern over the escalation of tension in the Korean
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 COURTESY CALL OF US SENATOR CORY GARDNER,
COLORADO,(REPUBLICAN),CHAIR,
SENATE
FOREIGN
RELATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
31 May 2017
Peninsula. The ASEAN urged North Korea to fully comply with
its obligations arising from the UN Security Council’s
Resolutions and international laws in the interest of
maintaining international peace and security, as well as urged
all parties to exercise restraint from actions that may
aggravate the situation.


The Philippines will do what it can and what it must in
order to achieve lasting security and stability in the
Korean Peninsula.

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