China’s actions in WPS meant to derail Philippine Maritime Zones Act — senator

MANILA, Philippines — China's increased activities in the West Philippine Sea and near the Philippine Rise appear to be signs that they are worried about the near passage of the proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act, Sen. Francis Tolentino said on Wednesday.

The proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act, passed by the Senate in February, defines the country's maritime zones in line with the 2016 arbitral ruling that invalidated China's sweeping claims in the WPS and the  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It's a measure that analysts and lawmakers believe will allow the Philippines to fully enforce applicable maritime laws and open doors for alliances with other countries under international order — a sore point for China, which has continued to ignore the 2016 ruling in favor of its nine-dash line claim that covers nearly the entire South China Sea.

Over the weekend, Chinese vessels were spotted loitering near the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), an underwater plateau situated along the northeastern seabord of the country rich in oil, gas and marine resources. 

On Monday, Chinese Coast Guard ships used water cannons against Filipino vessels conducting a resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, injuring four Filipinos.

In the same day, China issued a statement saying they "firmly oppose" the proposed Maritime Zones Act as it attempts to enforce the "illegal" 2016 arbitral award.

Reiterating China's sovereignty over islands part of the Philippines' EEZ, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning claimed that the measure violates UNCLOS instead of enforcing it.

Tolentino said during a press conference that Chinese officials appear to be concerned over the future ramifications of the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which in itself is also a "recognition" of its merits.

"Although they are trying to put a semblance of insignificance, the way they are acting is they are worried as to the future ramifications and consequences, which the international community will bear on them," Tolentino added.

"But if we accept their request not to continue the passage of the law, it's like we are allowing them to veto us. Only Malacañang has