China opposes new Philippine maritime law signed by Marcos

Beijing vows to protect South China Sea 'sovereignty'

20241110 Philippines Coast Guard South China Sea

A Chinese Coast Guard ship, left, collides with Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua near the Sabina Shoal at the disputed South China Sea on Aug. 31. (Philippine Coast Guard via AP)

November 10, 2024 20:26 JST

BEIJING (Reuters) -- China rejected Philippine maritime claims on Sunday, saying new legislation "severely infringes on" Beijing's territorial sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, and vowing to protect its own interests.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marco Jr. signed two laws on Friday to define the country's maritime entitlements and set designated sea lanes and air routes to reinforce sovereignty.