Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed two laws reaffirming the extent of his country’s maritime territories and right to resources, including in the South China Sea, where the new laws clash with Beijing’s extensive territorial claims.

On November 8, 2024, the President of the Philippines signed two significant laws that emphasize the country’s rights over its vast maritime areas, including parts of the South China Sea. This move angered China,

China asserts its claim of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea through an armada of coast guard ships, some of which are accused by its neighbours of aggressive conduct and of trying to disrupt energy and fisheries activity in their EEZs.