MANILA, (PIA) — The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed serious concern on Sunday over China’s issuance of new regulations governing its Coast Guard’s law enforcement procedures.
The regulations, announced on May 15 and set to take effect on June 15, have raised alarm in Manila due to concerns they could be used to bolster China’s expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea.
“While every state has the right to enact domestic laws, these laws cannot be applied in the territory or maritime zones of other countries,” the DFA said in a statement.
The DFA emphasized that international law does not permit such application on the high seas.
The Philippines specifically objects to the regulations being based on China’s 2021 Coast Guard Law, which they view as illegally expanding China’s maritime enforcement powers.
The DFA warned that enforcing the new regulations within the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea, which the Philippines claims as part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), would be a direct violation of international law.
The statement also called on China to ensure its legislation aligns with its obligations under international agreements, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
The Philippines concluded by urging China to comply with international law and refrain from actions that could destabilize the region. (PIA-NCR)
