đź“·China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning
China has summoned the Philippine Ambassador to China, Jaime FlorCruz, to express its discontent over two new laws enacted today by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
These laws assert the Philippines’ maritime rights in contested regions of the South China Sea.
The Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act are designed to strengthen the Philippines’ territorial claims and define specific sea lanes and air routes.
Beijing argues that the new Maritime Zones law unlawfully incorporates areas that China claims, particularly Huangyan Island and the Nansha Islands, which are internationally recognized as Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands.
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning labeled the legislation a “serious infringement” and urged the Philippines to acknowledge China’s territorial claims, warning against actions that could escalate tensions.
“The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Philippine ambassador to China to lodge solemn representations over the so-called “Maritime Zones Law” and “Archipelago Sea Lanes Law” issued by the Philippines.” Mao said.
“China urges the Philippines to earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, immediately stop taking any unilateral actions that may lead to the expansion of disputes and complicate the situation, and earnestly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China reserves the right to take necessary measures.” Mao added.
The Philippines remains steadfast in its commitment to the 2016 Hague ruling, which dismissed China’s claims in the South China Sea—a ruling that China has refused to accept. Marcos highlighted that these laws aim to reinforce a rules-based international order and safeguard the Philippines’ rights to resources within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). (ZIA LUNA)
