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.

Beijing has condemned two laws enacted by Manila, saying they breach Chinese rights in the Sea, while calling on the Philippines to "immediately stop any unilateral actions that could escalate disputes".

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.

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

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.

BEIJING/MANILA >> 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,