How China reacted to the recently enacted laws defining the sovereignty of the Philippines over its waters does not come as a surprise, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday.

“Well, it’s not unexpected but we have to define closely … marami tayong sinasabi that we have to protect our sovereign rights and our sovereignty. So, it serves a purpose that we define closely what those boundaries are, and that’s what we are doing,” President Marcos said.

The President made the remarks on the Seatrade Cruise (STC) Asia 2024 Welcome Reception in Parañaque City when asked to comment on China’s apparent disgust on the newly-signed laws as it allegedly worsen the situation in the West Philippine Sea.

President Marcos said the newly signed measures — Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act – will serve its purpose to reinforce the Philippines’ entitlement and responsibility within its maritime zones.

The Philippine Maritime Zones Act declares the Philippines’ maritime zones in accordance with the standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It also seeks to designate the country’s archipelagic sea lanes, which would create routes over the country’s waters and airspace.

The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, on the other hand, establishes a system of archipelagic sea lanes and air routes, through which foreign vessels and aircraft shall exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage. | PND