In a recent move, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed two significant pieces of legislation: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These laws aim to define \"Philippine maritime zones\" and designate \"sea lanes\" in archipelagic waters specifically for foreign vessels and aircraft.
During his keynote speech on Friday, President Marcos emphasized that these laws are in alignment with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the implementation has sparked discussions regarding its adherence to existing international agreements.
Critics argue that by advancing these domestic laws, the Philippine government is reclassifying territorial claims as maritime jurisdiction, which may conflict with the principle that \"land dominates the sea\" as outlined in UNCLOS. This perspective suggests that maritime rights should stem from established land sovereignty.
Zhang Xuegang, director of the Center for Belt and Road Initiative Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, commented on the matter, stating, \"The Philippine Maritime Zones Act is illegal as it severely violates the UNCLOS principle of the 'land dominates the sea.'\" Additionally, Hu Xin, assistant research fellow at the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, highlighted concerns regarding Article 53 of UNCLOS, which ensures the right of innocent passage for ships through archipelagic waters. According to Hu, the new Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act contravenes this provision by designating specific sea lanes for foreign use.
The enactment of these laws continues to shape the dynamics in the South China Sea, a region of significant geopolitical interest and environmental importance. As nations navigate the complexities of maritime law and territorial claims, the international community watches closely to assess the implications for regional stability and cooperation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
