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Philippine domestic maritime ‘acts’ egregious

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By Zhong Sheng, People’s Daily

The Philippines recently signed into law the so-called “Maritime Zones Act” and “Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.” These acts severely violate China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea, as well as international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Theseegregiousacts will inevitably complicate the situation in the South China Sea. China’s adoption of necessary measures to defend its legitimate and lawful sovereignty, rights and interests is a justifiable move to keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable.

The two acts are egregiousbecause they seriously infringe upon China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea. The so-called “Maritime Zones Act” illegally includes China’s Huangyan Dao, most of the islands and reefs of China’s Nansha Qundao, and their relevant waters into the Philippines’ maritime zones. It attempts to further solidify the illegal arbitral award on the South China Sea in the form of domestic legislation.

China has sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and the adjacent waters, and Zhongsha Qundao, including Huangyan Dao, and the adjacent waters, and has sovereign rights and jurisdictions over relevant waters. The aforementioned territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests of China have solid historical and legal basis, and are compliant with international law including the UNCLOS.

The territory of the Philippines is defined by a series of international treaties. China’s Huangyan Dao and other islands and reefs of Nansha Qundao are completely beyond the limits of the Philippines’ territory.The Philippines has invaded and illegally occupiedmultiple islands and reefsof China’s Nansha Qundao.It arbitrarily went beyond its own territorial scope to set up the so-called “Kalayaan Island Group,” which has infringed upon China’s territorial sovereignty, and is illegal and invalid.

The Philippines arbitrarily advancing the legislation of the so-called “Maritime Zones Act”has once again exposed its true intention to seize illegal gains in the South China Sea by the manipulation of domestic laws, which reveals its expansionist goals in the South China Sea.

The two acts are egregiousbecause they violate international law and the basic norms governing international relationsin the name ofimplementing UNCLOS.

The so-called “Maritime Zones Act” cites the illegal award of the South China Sea arbitration as a basis for defining the Philippines’maritime boundaries, which serves only to compound lies and fallacies to legitimatize its own illicit maritime claims.

The illegal award of the South China Sea arbitration has been widely questioned by the international community. This international arbitration was unilaterally initiated by the Philippineswithout the Chinese government’s prior consent, which violated international law, including UNCLOS.

China has repeatedly lodged stern representations that it neither accepts nor participates in the arbitration, nor does it accept or recognize the illegal award, and will never accept any claim or action based on the award.

China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea shall under no circumstances be affected by the award.The Philippines’endorsement of the arbitral award is nothing but justification for its infringing and provocative moves and illegal claims and actions, which reveals its true intention to “expand its powers” in the South China Sea.

The two acts are egregiousbecause they impact the freedom and security of navigation, threaten regional peace and stability, and further complicate the situation in the South China Sea.

Theycontravene the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea(DOC), which emphasizes the importance of exercising self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability. This not only hampers dispute resolution efforts but also exacerbates tensions in the South China Sea.

Many provisions containedin thePhilippines’ “Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act” are incompatible with international law and resolutions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

For instance, the waterways designated by the act fail to include all commonly utilized international waterways within the waters of the Philippine archipelago. Such provisions are evidently inconsistent with Article 53 of UNCLOS, whichstipulates that the sea lanes and air routes designated by an archipelagic state shall include all normal passage routes used as routes for international navigation or overflight through or over archipelagic waters.

Furthermore, the specified sea lanes are all in close proximity to U.S. military bases in the Philippines, raising concerns about potential collusion between the Philippines and foreign powers to monitor passing vessels,thereby jeopardizing the navigationalsafety of all countries.

As suchacts exceed the authority granted by international law, consequently, they unlawfully restrict the legitimate rights of othercountries, including China, and have no binding force on them.

China asks the Philippinesto earnestly abide by international law and not to undermine other countries’ lawful rights under UNCLOS and other international law.Chinese ships and aircraft will continue to pass through all normal channels as needed and in accordance with international law.

Huangyan Dao has always been China’s territory. In accordance with international law, such as the UNCLOS, and the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the Chinese government delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao.

This is a natural step by the Chinese government to lawfully strengthen marine management and is consistent with international law and common practices,demonstrating China’s firm determination and will to defend its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interestsin the South China Sea.

On maritime disputes, China has been exercising a high degree of restraint. China maintains that parties should find solutions that are acceptable to each and all by working in the spirit of good-neighborliness and friendship, and on the basis of respecting historical and legal facts.

But abusing such good faith should not be allowed.China does not accept any unilateral action attempting to enforce maritime claims against China. Nor does China recognize any action that may jeopardize its maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea.

The Philippines shall earnestly respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and immediately end any unilateral move that may escalate the dispute and complicate the situation. China urges the Philippines to return to the right track of properly settling differences through negotiation and consultation as soon as possible and work with China to uphold the larger interest of the bilateral relations and keep the South China Sea peaceful and stable.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People’s Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.)

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Judge blocks Trump from deporting non-citizens using wartime law

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A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to deport migrants allegedly linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua under a wartime law.

US District Judge James Boasberg issued a restraining order preventing the administration from using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expel undocumented migrants accused of gang ties. The order initially protected five individuals challenging the deportation but was later expanded to all affected noncitizens in US custody.

Boasberg also directed that any planes carrying these migrants be returned to the United States. “Any plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned,” he ruled. The restraining order will remain in effect for 14 days or until further court action.

The Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act, citing Tren de Aragua as a terrorist organization that has “unlawfully infiltrated the United States” and is engaging in hostile actions. However, civil rights groups, including the ACLU, argue that the gang’s activities do not meet the legal definition of an invasion.

The Justice Department has appealed the ruling, while the case continues in court.

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China’s new chapter in global innovation

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By Gu Yekai, Liu Yiqing, People’s Daily

At a smart construction project site managed by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, a quiet technological revolution is underway. Amid cranes and concrete, engineers are deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems that could fundamentally reshape the construction industry.

Li Fengjian, an AI specialistwith Xianyuan Technology, detailed how the company’s latest intelligent system – built on a large model – adapts to complex construction environments.”Engineering machinery equipped with intelligent agents can adjust its operations automatically in response to weather conditions,” Li explained, adding that a spatiotemporal sensing network further enhances the system, providing real-time tracking of both personnel and materials throughout the construction site.

In February this year, Xianyuan Technology rapidly integrated its self-developed model with DeepSeek-R1, effectively blending a general-purpose framework with industry-specific models. This integration, Li noted, has produced a solution capable of delivering expert-level performance in challenging, dynamic environments. The firm is based in the Shanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center, aburgeoning AI incubator that now hosts over 200 innovative enterprises.

China’s technological transformation extends well beyond the construction sector. Overthe past three decades, the country has evolved from its initial forays into internet connectivity to becoming a key player in global digital innovation.

Here, a steady stream of technological innovations are emerging, from the early days of emails and web browsing to the cutting-edge technologies represented by DeepSeek and the dynamic evolution of social media.

Wu Jianping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and headof the Zhongguancun Laboratory, pointed out that while China had introduced only one internet standard before 2005, it now contributes to over 200 worldwide. Such strides illustrate the country’s concerted push toward high-level technological self-reliance – a journey marked by both persistence and determination.

Beyond the digital realm, China is makingsignificant inroads in aerospace, new energy, and other high-tech sectors. It has transitioned from being a follower to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with global leaders, and in some areas, even taking the lead. Wu attributed these achievements to a dynamic ecosystem of policy reforms and talent cultivation that encourages creativity and technical expertise at every level.

Amid intensifying international competition, collaborative research and the integration of new technologies with traditional industries are central to China’s high-quality economic development.

Mei Linhai, a researcher at China’s State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Intelligence, remarked that the age of AI calls for continuous exploration. “In this era, everyone is an innovator. Only by persistently pushing the boundaries can we remain at the forefront of both technological and industrial development,” Mei observed.

In the field of general-purpose AI, Mei emphasized that independent innovation is paramount. He advocates for a self-driven industrial ecosystem that leveragesbreakthrough technologies to boost productivity and unlock new possibilities, Mei said.

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Chinese democracy in action:a village bench meeting shapes national law

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By Wei Zhezhe, Liu Botong, People’s Daily

In a modest corner of Jiangmen, south China’s Guangdong province, residents of Weidong village are experiencing firsthand a form of democracy that starts at the grassroots level and reverberates all the way to Beijing.

Wu Tengxin, a local villager who relies on a scooter for daily mobility after contracting polio, recalls a time when the village’s public spaces were ill-equipped for people with disabilities. Now, thanks to a simple suggestion made during a meeting, his everyday life has changed.

In November 2022, a team from a local legislative outreach office – a branch of China’sNational People’s Congress (NPC) – visited Weidong village and set up a “bench-style meeting.” Residents, including the elderly and those with disabilities, gathered to voice their concerns about inadequate accessibility.

Amid the conversation, Wu offered a straightforward proposal: “I hope rural accessible facilities can be improved to make mobility easier for people with disabilities and the elderly.” His words were relayed verbatim to lawmakers.

The response was swift. On June 28, 2023, at the third session of the 14th NPC Standing Committee, legislators passed a law on building a barrier-free living environment. The law stipulates that improvements”shall align with social and economic development levels, coordinate urban and rural progress, and gradually narrow the gap in infrastructure between urban and rural areas.”

Today, Wu observes that the village’s main roads and public squares have been upgraded with accessibility features that make getting around considerably easier.

This episode illustrates what Chinese officials call “whole-process people’s democracy” – a system where citizen input is woven into every stage of policy development.

Jilie Ziri, head of Abuluoha village in Butuo county, southwest China’s Sichuan province, remarked that for young generations in China, democracy has become a lived experience. “Villagers are the masters of village affairs,” he said, emphasizing how active villager participation has injected new vitality into local governance.

Experts point to consultative democracy as a cornerstone of this process. Tao Kaiyuan, vice chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy and vice president of the Supreme People’s Court, underscores the important role of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, whose members hail from every stratum of society and bring a wealth of expertise and connections.

Their regular forums, field research, and public consultations have created robust channels for citizens to contribute ideas and forge consensus.”This approach gathers collective wisdom and transforms public voices into policy,” Tao said.

Another crucial manifestation is the effectiveness of China’s political party system. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, Chinese democratic parties actively fulfill their duties, offering recommendations that often translate into concrete policy decisions. This integrated approach demonstrates the unique strengths of China’s political system and the advantages of whole-process people’s democracy.

Tao emphasized that whole-process people’s democracyhas evolved into an efficient and dynamic democratic practice – one that not only reflects the essence of socialist democracy but also presents a pioneering model of political civilization, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global governance and democratic development.

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