China has officially mapped the territorial waters around Huangyan Dao (Scarborough Shoal) in what it calls a 'lawful step to protect sovereignty'. The move comes amid rising tensions after Manila passed legislation claiming parts of the South China Sea – including zones Beijing considers its own.
A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated Sunday that 'Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory', adding the new maritime baselines align with both Chinese law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The announcement follows the Philippines’ recent Maritime Zones Act, which China says illegally claims Huangyan Dao and other disputed areas.
Why it matters: The South China Sea remains a geopolitical hotspot, with overlapping claims affecting trade routes and regional stability. China’s latest move signals its readiness to 'firmly defend territorial sovereignty' through legal and diplomatic channels, escalating a years-long standoff.
Analysts note this development could test international maritime law interpretations while impacting regional alliances. For young professionals tracking Asian markets, these tensions may influence shipping security and energy resource negotiations.
NewspaperAmigo – Your Global News Buddy 
. The move comes amid rising tensions after Manila passed legislation claiming parts of the South China Sea – including zones Beijing considers its own.
Analysts note this development could test international maritime law interpretations while impacting regional alliances. For young professionals tracking Asian markets, these tensions may influence shipping security and energy resource negotiations.
