🌏 Hey, global explorers! The South China Sea is making headlines again. The Philippines just passed two new maritime laws, and it's causing quite a splash! Let's dive into what's happening. 🏊♂️
The Philippine government recently approved the Archipelagic Sea Lanes (ASL) Act and the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. These laws aim to strengthen the country's control over its claimed waters in the South China Sea. But not everyone is on board with this move. 🤔
A Chinese expert, Ding Duo from the Research Center for Ocean Law and Policy, says these laws might be crossing the line. According to Ding, they violate the United Nations Charter and key parts of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 🌐
\"By designating specific sea and air routes and excluding some key passages, the Philippines is not only limiting the navigation rights of other countries but also shaking up established maritime practices,\" Ding explained. 🚢✈️
The ASL Act sets certain routes for foreign vessels and aircraft within the Philippines' archipelagic waters. But here's the catch: it ties the right of passage to territorial disputes, which could restrict legitimate navigation rights under international law. 📜
What's more, the new laws could lead to increased monitoring of passing ships by the Philippines and the U.S., raising concerns about the safety of navigation for other countries. 🛰️
Ding believes these laws overstep international authority and won't be binding on China or other nations. He expects Chinese ships and aircraft will continue their regular operations in accordance with international law. 🚀
The Maritime Zones Act is also controversial. It uses the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling to set maritime boundaries, claiming rights over China's Huangyan Island and parts of the Nansha Islands. But China has always rejected that ruling, calling it a \"political farce made under the pretext of law.\" 🎭
Back in 2016, an arbitral tribunal favored the Philippines in a case over the South China Sea. China dismissed the ruling, saying it violated agreements to resolve disputes through bilateral talks and went against commitments under the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. 🤝
With these new laws, tensions might rise in the region. Ding says the Philippines' move could limit its ability to manage crises and effectively address disputes with China. 🌪️
So, what's next? We'll have to wait and see how this plays out on the international stage. Stay tuned for more updates, friends! 📡
Reference(s):
Philippines passes maritime laws, challenging China's sovereignty
cgtn.com
