Philippine President Angers China with New Laws to Demarcate South China Sea Territories

The Philippines' new laws aim to define the country's maritime borders and protect its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, and the new laws could lead to increased tensions between the two countries.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has angered China by signing into law two measures that aim to define the country's maritime borders and protect its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.

The new laws, which were passed by the Philippine Congress in May 2022, establish a 200-nautical mile EEZ around the country's coastline and create a new maritime zone called the "Philippine Sea."

China claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, and the new laws could lead to increased tensions between the two countries.

China has repeatedly protested the new laws, and has warned that it will take "all necessary measures" to protect its interests in the South China Sea.

The United States has also expressed concern about the new laws, and has urged both China and the Philippines to resolve their maritime disputes peacefully.

The South China Sea is a strategically important waterway that is home to rich fishing grounds and potential oil and gas reserves.

The Philippines, China, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan all have claims to parts of the South China Sea.

The new Philippine laws are likely to further complicate the already complex territorial disputes in the South China Sea.