In a move highlighting escalating tensions in the South China Sea, China has summoned the Philippine ambassador to formally express its objections to two newly enacted Philippine laws. These laws, known as the \"Philippine Maritime Zones Act\" and the \"Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act,\" aim to redefine maritime boundaries and sea lanes in the region.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the \"Philippine Maritime Zones Act\" unlawfully incorporates China's Huangyan Dao and most of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, along with their surrounding waters, into the Philippines' maritime zones. Mao criticized the act as an attempt to solidify the contested arbitral award on the South China Sea through domestic legislation.
\"This move severely violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. We strongly condemn and firmly oppose it,\" Mao asserted. He emphasized that China's claims in the South China Sea are firmly rooted in history and international law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
China has called on the Philippines to respect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, urging an immediate halt to any unilateral actions that could escalate the dispute and destabilize the region. Mao also pointed out that certain aspects of the Philippine \"Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act\" are inconsistent with international law and International Maritime Organization resolutions. He urged the Philippines to adhere to international law and avoid undermining the lawful rights of other nations.
The South China Sea remains a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, with multiple countries asserting overlapping territorial claims. The recent developments between China and the Philippines underscore the fragility of the region's stability and the importance of diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
