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.

The “West Philippine Sea” is finally enshrined in the country’s law following the passage of two landmark measures that fully define the country’s maritime boundaries and designate legal sea lanes but whether or not China will respect these laws remains murky.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed two laws on Friday aimed at strengthening the country's maritime claims and bolstering its territorial integrity, as tensions with China over disputed areas in the South China Sea persist.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday signed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act. To be known as

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, November 8, signed into law two measures that would give the country’s claim over the West Philippine Sea more teeth: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

China summoned the Philippines' ambassador on Friday to express its objection to two new laws in the Southeast Asian nation

China summoned the Philippines' ambassador on Friday to express its objection to two new laws in the Southeast Asian nation asserting maritime rights and sovereignty over disputed areas of the South China Sea,

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enacted on Friday two laws bolstering his nation’s maritime claims and pushed to tap energy resources, as tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea persist.