In a move that's making waves across the South China Sea, the Philippines has enacted two new laws: the so-called \"Maritime Zones Act\" and \"Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.\" 🌏 Despite opposition from the Chinese mainland, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the acts into law, sparking discussions and concerns in the region.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry didn't let this slide. On Friday, they summoned the Philippine ambassador to make serious protests. According to spokesperson Mao Ning, the \"Maritime Zones Act\" illegally includes China's Huangyan Dao and many islands and reefs of China's Nansha Qundao, along with their relevant waters, into the Philippines' maritime zones. She stated that this move severely violates China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.
Mao also pointed out that parts of the \"Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act\" don't line up with international law and the resolutions of the International Maritime Organization. 🚢
So, what's the buzz all about? Analysts believe that Manila's latest steps could narrow the space for dialogue and consultations between China and the Philippines on the South China Sea issue. Ding Duo, deputy director of the Research Center of Oceans Law and Policy at the National Institute for the South China Sea Studies, mentioned that this could exert pressure on the incoming U.S. administration to maintain its support and might disrupt normal maritime navigation for neighboring countries.
\"The Philippines' latest move will further narrow the political space for Manila and Beijing to manage crises and properly handle disputes over the South China Sea issue,\" Ding told CGTN.
It's not just a sudden decision, though. The \"Maritime Zones Act\" took 13 years from proposal to signing, and the \"Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act\" has been in the works for a long time. The timing, just after the dust settled in the U.S. presidential election, seems more than a coincidence. 🤔
Chen Xiangmiao, director of the World Navy Research Center at China South China Sea Research Institute, suggests that Manila might be making calculated moves. By signing these acts now, the Philippines might be trying to \"fish in troubled waters,\" reduce international pressure, and create a \"fait accompli\" to pressure the next U.S. administration to keep supporting them on the South China Sea issue.
Former Malaysian Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat shared his concerns with China Media Group. He said that the \"Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act\" might disrupt normal navigation and passage for neighboring countries and could affect peace in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region. He also mentioned that the act might face opposition from the International Maritime Organization.
As the waves of this development continue to ripple, all eyes are on how this will shape the dynamics in the South China Sea. 🌊 Stay tuned for more updates!
Reference(s):
What's behind Manila's enacting pair of South China Sea acts?
cgtn.com
