Philippines Asserts Maritime Claims Amid Rising Tensions

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, asserting the country's maritime territories, including the contested South China Sea. These laws reinforce the Philippines' maritime claims in line with international law and a 2016 arbitral ruling, which China has strongly opposed, claiming it violates their territorial sovereignty. The United States praised the Philippines for upholding international law, while China condemned the laws as attempts to solidify the 'illegal' arbitration ruling. Tensions have escalated, with China summoning the Philippine ambassador and warning of potential countermeasures. The laws aim to protect Philippine maritime resources and biodiversity, while also defining its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and sea lanes for international navigation. These developments highlight the ongoing geopolitical struggle in the South China Sea, with implications for regional peace and international maritime law.