(Manila, 5th) Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated yesterday that he would not mind if China decided to ban him from entering the country.
"If they (China) do that, I also won't mind," Teodoro told the media at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
He emphasized that any country has the right to decide whether to allow others entry, without needing to explain its reasons to the outside world: "That is their right, right?"
Recently, former Senator Tolentino was banned from entering China due to his "extreme behavior" on China-related issues.
Tolentino, who served as chairman of the Special Committee on Maritime and Maritime Affairs, led the drafting of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, further strengthening the country's sovereignty claims over the West Philippine Sea. These two laws were enacted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on November 8, 2024.
Legislation Strengthens Maritime Claims
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act defines the country's internal waters, archipelagic waters, 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, as well as its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. It clearly specifies the Philippines' exercise of sovereignty and jurisdiction in the relevant maritime areas.
The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act establishes three designated national sea lanes:
Lane 1: Philippine Sea – Balintang Channel – West Philippine Sea
Lane 2: Celebes Sea – Sibutu Passage – Sulu Sea – East Guimaras Passage – Mindoro Strait – West Philippine Sea
Lane 3: Celebes Sea – Basilan Strait – Sulu Sea – Nasubata Channel – Balabac Strait – West Philippine Sea
The Philippine government stressed that this move aims to enhance maritime security and freedom of navigation, and that it is exercising its legitimate rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Teodoro reiterated that, undaunted by external pressure, the Philippines will continue to defend its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
"If they (China) do that, I also won't mind," Teodoro told the media at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
He emphasized that any country has the right to decide whether to allow others entry, without needing to explain its reasons to the outside world: "That is their right, right?"
Recently, former Senator Tolentino was banned from entering China due to his "extreme behavior" on China-related issues.
Tolentino, who served as chairman of the Special Committee on Maritime and Maritime Affairs, led the drafting of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, further strengthening the country's sovereignty claims over the West Philippine Sea. These two laws were enacted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on November 8, 2024.
Legislation Strengthens Maritime Claims
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act defines the country's internal waters, archipelagic waters, 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone, as well as its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. It clearly specifies the Philippines' exercise of sovereignty and jurisdiction in the relevant maritime areas.
The Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act establishes three designated national sea lanes:
Lane 1: Philippine Sea – Balintang Channel – West Philippine Sea
Lane 2: Celebes Sea – Sibutu Passage – Sulu Sea – East Guimaras Passage – Mindoro Strait – West Philippine Sea
Lane 3: Celebes Sea – Basilan Strait – Sulu Sea – Nasubata Channel – Balabac Strait – West Philippine Sea
The Philippine government stressed that this move aims to enhance maritime security and freedom of navigation, and that it is exercising its legitimate rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Teodoro reiterated that, undaunted by external pressure, the Philippines will continue to defend its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.