PHL gov't studying new Chinese law that will strengthen military hold in the South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8): PHL gov't studying new Chinese law that will strengthen military hold in the South China Sea

The government is studying the implications of a new Chinese law that will bolster Chinese military enforcement over the disputed South China Sea where the Philippines and several other Asian countries have overlapping claims.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said on Tuesday the government will finalize its assessment as soon as possible.

“We are studying the new law and its implications,” Jose stressed.

The new law, which takes effect on Aug. 1, would increase military protection of Chinese offshore territories in the contested waters, in what is seen as a latest attempt by China to reinforce its hold on the South China Sea, which is said to be rich in oil and natural gas.

Jose was quick to point out that the Philippines has “sovereignty and rights and jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea,” a name adopted by the Philippines for parts of the South China Sea that are covered by its exclusive economic zone.

China says it has indisputable ownership of almost the entire waters despite protests from its smaller Asian neighbors like the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=660660