BEIJING — In a move to strengthen its marine management, the Chinese government has delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao. The announcement, made on Sunday, is seen as a natural step in accordance with international law and common practice.
A foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory. “In accordance with international law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the Chinese government delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao,” the spokesperson stated.
The spokesperson also addressed concerns regarding the Philippine Maritime Zones Act. Describing it as the “so-called” act, they claimed it aims to “further solidify the illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea in the form of domestic legislation.” The act allegedly seeks to “illegally include China’s Huangyan Dao and most of the islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Qundao and their relevant waters into the Philippines’ maritime zones.”
“This move severely violates China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea,” the spokesperson said. They added that China “firmly opposes it and will continue to do everything necessary in accordance with the law to firmly defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”
The South China Sea remains a region of significant strategic importance and territorial disputes. China’s latest actions reflect its ongoing efforts to assert its claims and manage its maritime territories effectively, consistent with its interpretation of international law.
Observers note that this development may influence the dynamics of regional relations in Asia, as nations navigate the complex interplay of sovereignty, international law, and maritime rights. The international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
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China releases baselines of territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao
cgtn.com
