China has summoned the Philippine ambassador to lodge solemn representations over two new laws in the Philippines covering maritime zones and archipelago sea lanes, its foreign ministry said on Friday (November 8).

Marcos signs two laws reinforcing Philippine rights over maritime zones

"The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Philippine ambassador to China to lodge solemn representations over the so-called "Maritime Zones Law" and "Archipelago Sea Lanes Law" issued by the Philippines." Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

“China urges the Philippines to earnestly respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, immediately stop taking any unilateral actions that may lead to the expansion of disputes and complicate the situation, and earnestly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China reserves the right to take necessary measures.” Mao added.

China, which also has sovereignty disputes with the other countries in the region, has in the past enacted domestic laws covering the South China Sea, such as a coast guard law in 2021 that allows it to detain foreigners suspected of trespassing. - report from Reuters