The Philippines passed two new laws on November 8 that stirred controversy.

First up, the Maritime Zones Act claims parts of China's Nansha Islands and the Huangyan Island into recognized zones under their own laws, challenging the UNCLOS on territorial sovereignty.

Next up, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act restricts foreign ships and aircraft to certain designated routes in the South China Sea, raising concerns over navigation freedom and surveillance risks.

China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this as the move gravely infringes upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.