Philippine President Signs Laws to Define Maritime Boundaries, Draws Beijing’s Ire

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has enacted two landmark laws strengthening Manila’s sovereignty over its maritime territory and establishing designated sea lanes for foreign vessels, a move that has quickly drawn protests from Beijing.

During a signing ceremony with Philippine lawmakers and officials, Marcos emphasized the significance of these measures for national security and economic growth. “Our people, especially our fisherfolk, should be able to pursue their livelihood free from uncertainty and harassment,” he stated. “We must be able to harness mineral and energy resources in our seabed.”

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act clarifies the country’s waters and airspace, reinforcing territorial claims under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Complementing this, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act provides legal structure for safe maritime and aerial passage through Philippine waters, ensuring that foreign vessels can navigate “without compromising our national security nor diminishing our capacity for good environmental stewardship,” according to Marcos.

Beijing’s Response and Rising Tensions

Following the signing, China summoned the Philippine ambassador and condemned the new legislation. Mao Ning, spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry, reiterated China’s rejection of the Philippines’ claims, referencing the 2016 international tribunal ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea. “China does not accept any claims or actions based on the ruling,” Mao asserted.

China, which has asserted jurisdiction over nearly the entire South China Sea via its “10-dash line” map, has tightened its maritime regulations in recent years. Measures include a coast guard policy that allows detaining foreign nationals in disputed waters and a 2022 law that mandates foreign vessels report passage details through what China considers its territorial waters.

US and Regional Responses

The United States has voiced its support for Manila’s legislation, with State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller calling it “a routine matter” aligned with Philippine sovereignty. In response to escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Washington has increased its patrols and conducted joint military exercises in the area, affirming its commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight.

Recently, the US and South Korea issued a joint statement reinforcing opposition to “unlawful maritime claims” by China. “We remain committed to upholding freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said following a recent ministerial meeting in Washington.

Philippine officials acknowledged China’s likely dismissal of the legislation but expressed confidence that international backing would strengthen their stance. “The imprimatur that we’ll be getting from the international community would strengthen our position,” Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino said.

The South China Sea remains a hotspot for geopolitical tensions, with the Philippines and its allies remaining resolute amid China’s aggressive maritime claims.