Strategy for crisis management in South China Sea

(a) Strategy Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the head of any other appropriate Federal department or agency, shall develop a strategy for crisis management in the South China Sea that— (1) identifies the locations of the most likely flashpoints in the South China Sea that could lead to scenarios of crises short of war that would require heightened interagency and international coordination; and (2) outlines defense planning scenarios for responding to each such potential flashpoint, including sequenced response options and coordination with foreign partners. (b) Objectives The strategy required by subsection (a) shall be designed— (1) to deny the aim of the People’s Republic of China and deter further People’s Republic of China provocation or actions that expand the crisis; (2) to ensure the safety of United States citizens and residents in the region and in the United States; (3) to ensure the safety of members of the United States Armed Forces in the region, including safety from accidents; (4) to preserve United States economic interests in the region, including protecting key trade and commerce routes; (5) to uphold treaty obligations and protect allies and partners; and (6) to manage possible escalation into combat operations by taking opportunities for de-escalation and maintaining strategic stability. (c) Defense planning scenarios Each defense planning scenario required by subsection (a)(2) shall include, at a minimum, the following: (1) A list of specific indicators that would elevate a scenario from a baseline of gray-zone conditions to the level of a crisis. (2) An articulation of clearly identified assumptions, phases, and potential evolutions of the crisis. (3) Anticipated decision points and potential response options, sequenced across all identified phases. (4) An evaluation of the potential risks and benefits of potential response options. (5) A list of possible options for de-escalating the crisis situation, including a description of indicators of such options and recommendations of options for the Secretary of Defense to take advantage of such options. (6) A plan for engagement with foreign partners, including an identification of any action to be pre-coordinated. (d) Interim report (1) In general Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a progress report that— (A) details the list of locations and scenarios identified under subsection (a)(1); (B) provides a status update on the development of defense planning scenarios required by subsection (a)(2); (C) sets forth a plan for the completion of such planning scenarios by not later than one year after such date of enactment; and (D) details the process by which such planning scenarios will be reviewed, updated as necessary, and validated. (2) Form The interim report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex. (e) Report (1) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that summarizes the strategy developed under subsection (a). (2) Form The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.