Philippine President Signs New Laws to Secure Sea Rights Amid China Tensions

Philippine President Signs New Laws to Secure Sea Rights Amid China Tensions
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos delivers a speech at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, on Oct. 7, 2024. Ezra Acayan/POOL/AFP
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Nov. 8 signed two new laws to strengthen Manila’s maritime sovereignty and establish sea lanes for passing foreign vessels—a move that drew ire from Beijing.

During a signing ceremony attended by Philippine lawmakers and senior officials, Marcos said the new laws would strengthen the country’s economic development and national security policies.