The Philippines has enacted new maritime laws aimed at solidifying territorial claims in the South China Sea amidst increasing pressure from China. These laws provide a legal basis for the Philippines to enact maritime policies and assert its rights, highlighting a strategic long-term resistance against Chinese aggression while bolstering military ties with the United States.

The Philippines is strengthening its maritime claims amid ongoing pressure from China in the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has enacted two significant maritime laws: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These legislative measures aim to outline the country’s maritime zones according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, thereby establishing designated sea lanes and asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty over its maritime territories. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act will create defined routes through the nation’s waters and airspace, while the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act will facilitate the passage of foreign vessels and aircraft through these lanes. Experts assert that these actions are essential components of the Philippines’ strategy to resist Chinese maritime aggression, which has intensified over recent years, with increasing encroachments by Chinese vessels. Raymond Powell, director of Sealight at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center, commented, “Passage of the Philippines’ new maritime laws is a necessary step in its lawfare against China’s maritime aggression, which has reached the scale of an occupation of large swaths of the West Philippine Sea.” Meanwhile, Malaysia has expressed objections to the laws as they intersect with its territorial claims. China’s expansive claims over the South China Sea, delineated through its nine-dash line, continue to infringe upon the waters claimed by the Philippines. Despite a 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration that dismissed the legal basis for China’s claims, Beijing continues to assert its rights, significantly impacting regional stability. With China’s aggressive naval posture, the Philippines finds itself in a precarious position. Formerly, tensions have escalated, especially around key areas such as Scarborough Shoal and the Second Thomas Shoal, both contested by the Philippines and China. Experts like Jay Batongbacal and Zachary Abuza underscore that while the new laws do not change the current dynamics instantly, they provide a legal framework for Manila to assert its rights. China has already condemned the Philippines’ legislative actions, branding them an infringement and warning of possible counteractions to safeguard its territorial sovereignty. In light of these developments, the Philippines is reaffirming its ties with the United States, enhancing military collaboration through joint training exercises and seeking advanced weaponry to fortify its defenses. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is scheduled to visit the Philippines later this month, reflecting the renewed strategic partnership between the two nations. As geopolitical tensions continue to mount, the Philippines must navigate its relationship with the U.S. carefully, particularly with the uncertainties surrounding the incoming Trump administration. This creates a critical juncture for President Marcos to foster bilateral cooperation while advocating for the Philippines’ national interests in the region.

The article discusses the Philippines’ strategic legislative moves in response to ongoing maritime disputes with China. The newly established laws aim to solidify the Philippines’ territorial claims and maritime rights in the South China Sea, which has been a long-standing anchor point of contention between the two nations. With increasing Chinese aggression in the region, especially in contested waters, the Philippines is seeking to enhance its legal and military posture to protect its interests. Additionally, the shifting U.S.-Philippines relations under President Marcos’ administration are critical in the backdrop of these developments, raising questions about future defense collaboration amidst new geopolitical challenges.

In conclusion, the Philippines’ recent enactment of maritime laws signifies a robust response to China’s ongoing aggression in the South China Sea. By legally reinforcing its territorial claims, Manila is positioning itself to contest Beijing’s expansive claims more effectively. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, particularly with the anticipated shifts in U.S. policy, the Philippines must adeptly navigate international relations to safeguard its sovereignty and enhance regional stability.

Original Source: www.voanews.com

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