Diplomatic Moves and Reactions
announced baselines for the contested , intensifying territorial disputes with the , which both nations claim.
The asserted the move aligns with agreements and Chinese law, criticizing the Philippine Maritime Zones Act as a violation of China's sovereignty.
Escalating Military Presence
The announcement follows Philippine President .'s signing of laws defining the country's claims in the , coinciding with a Philippine military exercise.
Encounters between Chinese and Philippine vessels have escalated, including collisions and the use of water cannons by the Chinese coast guard against Philippine vessels.