KATHMANDU: Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro expressed concern on Friday over China's new rules regarding its Coast Guard operations in the South China Sea, labeling them as provocative. China, involved in maritime sovereignty disputes with the Philippines and other nations in the region, has introduced regulations to enforce a 2021 law that permits its Coast Guard to fire on foreign vessels.

Teodoro stated that this behavior violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the UN Charter, which obliges states to avoid using force or aggression to enforce territorial claims. He emphasized that these actions are provocative, particularly when they concern illegal territorial claims in the maritime domain.

The Philippines and China have experienced several maritime confrontations in recent months, including incidents where Chinese coast guard vessels used water cannons, damaging Philippine boats and injuring crew members. These actions have heightened tensions between the two countries.

In response to the concerns, the Chinese foreign ministry claimed the new rules aim to protect maritime order. They reassured that there is no need for concern as long as there is no illegal behavior by the involved individuals and entities.