The Philippines has recently enacted the "Maritime Zones Act" and the "Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act," disregarding opposition from China. These new laws are viewed as unilateral attempts to complicate the already tense South China Sea situation.
Following the signing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned the Philippine ambassador to express serious protests. According to Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the inclusion of areas such as China's Huangyan Dao and most of the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao into the Philippines' maritime zones violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea.
Additionally, Mao emphasized that elements of the Philippine "Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act" are incompatible with international law and the regulations of the International Maritime Organization.
Experts suggest that Manila's latest legislative move could limit the space for dialogue and consultations between China and the Philippines, pressure the incoming U.S. administration to maintain support, and disrupt maritime navigation for neighboring countries. Ding Duo, deputy director of the Research Center of Oceans Law and Policy at the National Institute for the South China Sea Studies, commented that this act is not an isolated move but a specific projection of the Philippine government's provocative South China Sea policy.
The timing of the enactment, occurring right after the U.S. presidential election, is seen as strategic. Analysts believe Manila aims to reduce international public opinion pressure, reinforce its claims through domestic legislation, and secure continued support from the U.S. administration.
Former Malaysian Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat highlighted that the "Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act" could disrupt normal navigation and affect regional peace within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He also noted potential opposition from the International Maritime Organization.
Reference(s):
What's behind Manila's enacting pair of South China Sea acts?
cgtn.com
