China Condemns Philippine Maritime Law, Vows to Defend South China Sea Claims

BEIJING, Nov 10 (Reuters) – China has rejected new Philippine maritime legislation, condemning it as an infringement on Beijing’s territorial claims in the South China Sea. The laws, signed by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, outline the country’s maritime entitlements, establish official sea lanes, and designate air routes aimed at reinforcing Philippine sovereignty.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded firmly, stating, “China firmly opposes this and will continue to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to resolutely defend China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.” Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory, overlapping with claims from the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that rejected China’s sweeping claims in the region, Beijing continues to assert control, dismissing the ruling as illegitimate. The United States, an ally of the Philippines, supports the tribunal’s decision, creating further friction between China and the West.

The Scarborough Shoal, known in China as Huangyan Island, has become a flashpoint for sovereignty and fishing rights disputes. On Sunday, China’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement defining its own “territorial waters” baseline around the shoal, which lies within the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

China has passed domestic legislation to reinforce its South China Sea claims, including a controversial 2021 coast guard law that authorizes the detention of foreign vessels suspected of “trespassing.” China’s extensive coast guard fleet regularly patrols disputed areas and has accused neighboring countries, particularly the Philippines, of unauthorized activities.

In a statement on Sunday, China’s coast guard criticized the Philippines for sending military and police vessels and aircraft near the Scarborough Shoal, accusing Manila of facilitating “illegal fishing” in disputed waters.

As tensions mount, all eyes are on how the Philippines and its allies, especially the United States, will respond to China’s renewed assertions in the South China Sea, a region crucial to global trade and rich in natural resources.