China slams new Philippine maritime laws, summons ambassador

China has strongly objected to two new Philippine laws establishing maritime boundaries over contested South China Sea areas, arguing that they infringe on Chinese sovereignty.

On Friday, China summoned the Philippines’ ambassador following the signing of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (RA 12064) and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act (RA 12065) by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“These acts infringe on China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights,” said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, emphasizing that China’s claims in the region have “historical and legal foundations” under international law, including UNCLOS. China criticized the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act’s provisions as inconsistent with international law, urging the Philippines to respect all parties’ rights in accordance with UNCLOS.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act defines the country’s maritime zones, granting the Philippines rights to resource exploration within these areas. Meanwhile, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act designates sea and air routes for foreign passage through Philippine waters.

The dispute comes amid longstanding tensions in the South China Sea, where a 2016 Hague tribunal ruling found certain Chinese claims unlawful. China has continually dismissed the ruling, asserting that it violates international law.