; and (B) recognize Taiwan’s already valuable military contributions to such efforts. 305. Sense of Congress on reaffirming the importance of the United States-Australia defense alliance (a) Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The United States and Australia maintain a critical strategic relationship underpinned by shared democratic values, common interests, and strong defense ties. (2) In 2017, the United States and Australia will mark the 75th anniversary of the Battles of the Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal, and Australia has been a loyal ally through modern engagements, particularly with respect to international efforts in Afghanistan and against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). (3) The United States and Australia have been bound by the Security Treaty Between Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America, signed at San Francisco on September 1, 1951, which codified military obligations for each party outside as well as within the Pacific region for the preservation of peace and stability. (4) The Force Posture Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the United States of America, signed at Sydney on August 12, 2014, strengthened the relationship between the two countries, a relationship that is an anchor for peace and security both in the Asia-Pacific region and worldwide. (5) Vice President Michael Pence stated on April 22, 2017, that the historic Alliance between the United States and Australia is inviolate, it is immutable, and it is a beacon that shines throughout the Asia Pacific and inspires the wider world . The Vice President stated that the United States will continue to work closely with Australia to secure peace in the Asia-Pacific region. (6) Former Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter stated in 2016 that the United States-Australia alliance continues to be essential in terms of accelerating the defeat of ISIL together in Iraq and Syria . (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that— (1) the United States values its alliance