Malaysia Protests Philippine Maritime Laws on Sabah

Tensions in the South China Sea are escalating as Malaysia formally protests against new Philippine laws that it claims infringe on Sabah's maritime boundaries. Malaysia's Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamad Alamin emphasized the country's commitment to defending its sovereignty, while analysts warn that this dispute should not hinder ongoing negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) involving ASEAN and China. Concurrently, China has ramped up military patrols around Huangyan Island in response to the Philippines asserting exclusive resource rights through its new maritime law. China denounced the Philippine claims as violations of existing agreements, prompting the Philippines to summon the Chinese ambassador in protest. Despite these tensions, some experts suggest that China is showing self-restraint in its responses, maintaining bilateral communication channels. The situation underscores the complex interplay of regional sovereignty claims and international diplomatic efforts.