On November 8, 2024, the President of the Philippines signed two significant laws that emphasize the country’s rights over its vast maritime areas, including parts of the South China Sea. This move angered China,

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed two laws reaffirming the extent of his country’s maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea, where the new laws clash with Beijing’s extensive territorial claims.

The United States has lauded the Philippines’ enactment of the Maritime Zones Act that seeks to further buttress the country’s sovereign rights over its waters, particularly the West Philippine Sea, in accordance with international law.