China rejected Philippine maritime claims on Sunday, saying new legislation "severely infringes on" Beijing's territorial sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea, and vowing to protect its own interests.

The Philippines recently passed two major laws— the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act—to strengthen its control and authority over its territorial waters. These new laws aim to protect the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its maritime zones,

The Philippines approved two new laws on Friday aimed at reaffirming its sovereignty in the South China Sea, where it maintains disputes with China. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (C), sign