China has new law protecting its territorial waters – report

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines should keep an eye on the implementation of a new law in China that supposedly expands the powers of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) over “restricted areas” and “territorial waters.”

It is not clear, however, if the new law that will be implemented begining August 1 covers the West Philippine Sea, security studies specialist Rommel Banlaoi told defense reporters on Monday, July 7.

The South China Morning Post reported that China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee enacted the Protection of Military Installations law, which steps up “protection of China’s military facilities and its territorial waters” against “inadvertent intrusions into restricted zones and concerns against spying.” 

China claims that foreign countries have been spying on the activities of its military by occupying villas near military installations or high-rise buildings near its air bases. 

“If the new law will only be implemented in the coastal areas of China and not in the contested areas, then there is no reason to worry,” Banlaoi said.

Otherwise, he said, it could lead to violence. “That is what we are trying to avoid. We don’t want the current tension to escalate into military violence.”

China’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) previously caused tension in the East China Sea. Countries worldwide joined neighboring Japan and South Korea in protesting it. 

China also imposed new fishing laws that led to blockades against fishermen. Banlaoi said the protests have led to China’s softer implementation of its new fishing laws. – Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com