Philippine president signs new laws to assert S China Sea rights, sovereignty

MANILA, Nov 08 (Arab News): Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed two laws on Friday aimed at strengthening the country's maritime claims and bolstering its territorial integrity, as tensions with China over disputed areas in the South China Sea persist.

The Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act would define the Philippines' maritime entitlements and set designated sea lanes and air routes to reinforce sovereignty and maritime rights under international law.

China has summoned the Philippine ambassador to lodge solemn representations over two new laws, its foreign ministry said on Friday. Marcos hailed the laws as a demonstration of the Philippines' commitment to uphold an international rules-based order, and protect its rights to exploit resources peacefully in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

"Our people, especially our fisher folk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment," Marcos said. "We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our sea bed."

While the two laws were envisioned to help US ally the Philippines to monitor and defend against potential encroachment, questions remain about how they will be enforced and if they will impact Chinese activity in the Philippine EEZ.