Philippines expert called on ASEAN to unite against China's Law on Customs

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Philippine government needs to coordinate with Southeast Asian countries to oppose China's new Law on Customs, CNN quoted a maritime law expert as saying.

Professor Jay Batongbacal of the University of the Philippines said that the Philippines, its allies and other claimants in the South China Sea, need to form a unified front to repel China's Maritime Law. The law was controversial when it allowed Chinese maritime police to open fire on foreign ships entering disputed waters.

Expert Batongbacal said, Basically, the law allows the Chinese customs to use force to exercise powers in waters that China unilaterally claims sovereignty. All affected parties, the Philippines along with friends and allies should cooperate with each other and take a common stance to prevent China from implementing this law.

This new law, which went into effect on February 1, also allows Chinese customs to demolish foreign facilities built on reefs and islands claimed by China. , as well as establishing restricted zones to block foreign boats.