With 2 New Laws, Philippines Challenges China’s Nine-Dash Line in the South China Sea

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent signing of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act has marked a bold move in asserting the Philippines’ maritime rights in the South China Sea. These laws establish the Philippines’ claims over its territorial waters and exclusive economic zones (EEZ), standing in direct opposition to China’s nine-dash line, a controversial boundary that extends into waters the Philippines claims as its own. Asserting these zones is a critical step in safeguarding Philippine sovereignty and resources, from fisheries to potential oil and gas reserves.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act delineates maritime boundaries, formalizing the country’s rights to its EEZs and territorial waters under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act designates official lanes within Philippine waters, balancing rights to international navigation with enhanced oversight over foreign vessels—a vital element for national security in contested waters.

Chinese officials have voiced objections, stating that these laws undermine China’s territorial claims and could destabilize the region. Chinese representatives called for “dialogue and mutual respect” to avoid unilateral actions that could heighten regional tensions. This reaction underscores the ongoing struggle between international law and historical claims, particularly as the 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s extensive claims in the region.

Domestically, Philippine leaders praised the laws as critical steps in fortifying national defense and resource control. Senator Chiz Escudero emphasized the country’s right to manage its resources, stating that these laws will allow the Philippines to “utilize and protect its natural resources” without interference. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Maria Rachel Arenas described the legislation as a “shield” for Philippine sovereignty, underscoring the need for clearly defined boundaries to protect marine biodiversity and security interests.

While the United Nations and other international bodies have yet to make official statements, they continue to endorse peaceful, rules-based dispute resolution methods in the South China Sea. ASEAN neighbors, though cautious, are monitoring the situation, balancing regional cooperation with their own territorial interests. The Philippines’ legislative stance sends a powerful message of commitment to international law and maritime rights amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea.