Marcos on China’s opposition to two maritime laws: It’s not unexpected

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Monday that China’s opposition over the recently signed maritime laws is “not unexpected.”

“It’s not unexpected. We have to define closely marami tayong sinasabi that we have to protect our sovereignty and sovereign rights,” Marcos told Palace reporters. 

China summoned the Philippines' ambassador on Friday to express its objection to Manila’s two new laws asserting maritime rights and sovereignty over disputed areas of the South China Sea, 

China made "solemn representations" to the ambassador shortly after Philippine Marcos signed the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act into law to strengthen his country's maritime claims and bolster its territorial integrity.

Through the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, the country reaffirms its sovereignty over its internal waters, territorial sea, archipelagic waters, and its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.

Further, the law provides that the country's maritime domain remains secure and that foreign actions within its waters are regulated and conducted effectively in a manner that respects Philippine sovereignty and national security.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act designates routes in archipelagic waters for foreign ships and aircraft.

Under the new law, the system of archipelagic sea lanes, through which foreign vessels and aircraft shall exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage, shall be established and designated by the President.

The President said the passage of these two priority bills fully demonstrates the country's commitment as a responsible member of the international community and our advocacy to uphold rules-based international order.—LDF, GMA Integrated News