China is continuing to escalate tensions with the Philippines by asserting its claim to a reef within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. China has claimed ownership over many features in the region, using historical maps and records to support its claims. However, a tribunal at The Hague ruled in 2016 that China’s “nine-dash line” claims were inconsistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This includes Scarborough Shoal, which has seen confrontations between Chinese maritime forces and Philippine vessels.
Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines has been actively challenging China’s expansive claims, including at Scarborough Shoal. China recently released a list of base points with straight baselines that it claims are in line with its maritime laws. Baselines are used to delineate a country’s territorial waters, extending 12 nautical miles beyond the baselines. The Chinese Coast Guard accused the Philippines of territorial violations at Scarborough Shoal and pledged to increase patrols in the area.
The Philippines recently passed laws defining its maritime boundaries, including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. These laws seek to solidify the country’s territorial and maritime rights in the region. The U.S. State Department expressed support for the Philippines’ legislation, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law, particularly in the South China Sea. China criticized these laws as an attempt to bolster an “illegal arbitral award” related to the South China Sea.
China’s new baselines and maritime claims in the South China Sea have also raised concerns with other claimants in the region, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Indonesia. The clashes between China and the Philippines have been particularly contentious, with fears of potential conflict involving the U.S. due to its defense treaty with the Philippines. Experts have suggested that the Philippines should view China’s actions as an attempt to subdue resistance and consider long-term nonviolent resistance against China’s occupation.
The Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, known as the West Philippine Sea, covers a 200-nautical-mile stretch from its coastline under UNCLOS. The Foreign Affairs Committee of China’s National People’s Congress has reiterated its rejection of the 2016 tribunal award that favored the Philippines. China claims that the tribunal exceeded its authority and the award was illegal and invalid. China does not accept or recognize the award and refuses to participate in any claims or actions based on it.
