Summary

China rejected the Philippines’ recent maritime legislation asserting sovereignty over parts of the South China Sea, arguing it “severely infringes on” China’s territorial claims.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed laws establishing sea lanes and defining maritime entitlements to reinforce national sovereignty.

China, which claims nearly all of the South China Sea despite a 2016 international ruling against it, has frequently clashed with Philippine vessels and accused Manila of “illegal fishing” near disputed areas.