(VOVworld) – The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress has adopted a new law to boost military security in its territorial waters which will take effect next month.

In this Saturday, March 29, 2014 file photo, a China Coast Guard vessel attempts to block a Philippine government vessel as the latter tries to enter the China Second Thomas Disputed Shoals (local name Ayungin Shoal) to replace Philippine troops and resupply provisions off the South China Sea. AP/Bullit Marquez

The Hong Kong – based South China Morning Post reported on Monday that, under the law, China allows itself to ban vessels which inadvertently intrude into restricted areas that China unilaterally claimed in the sea.

The Filipino media have quoted domestic experts as saying that new escalations in the East Sea have all proceeded from the adoption. The Philippines’ Rappler and Inquirer newspapers cited defense analyst Rommel Banlaoi as saying that if China chooses to implement their new law in their claimed area inside the U-shaped line, which covers 80% of the East Sea, the Philippines could use its military to enforce the law. Banlaoi warned that if tensions there escalated into military action, not only would it affect the claimant-countries, it would also damage the “whole world”. It is because the East Sea is the epicenter of maritime traffic heading to the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, and the Pacific. Banlaoi noted that China should be cautious in implementing the new law and should only stay within its 12 nautical mile coastal zone. The Philippines will keep a strict eye on China’s actions and ensure that the country kept to its normal fishing waters.

US Secretary of State John Kerry departed for China on July 7th, 2014 (Photo: Reuters)

Tensions in the East China Sea and East Sea will be the top priority of US Secretary of State John Kerry during his visit to China, which begins on Wednesday. Earlier this year the US condemned China’s edict over the East Sea fishing areas. According to the order, which was issued by Hainan’s authorities last November and took effect on January 1^st, 2014, foreign fishing boats must ask for permission to fish or conduct exploration activities within an area of 2 million square kilometers, accounting for two thirds of the East Sea. Washington said the restrictions were provocative and potentially dangerous. The US called on all parties concerned to avoid any unilateral actions which could increase tensions and destroy any prospects for a diplomatic or peaceful solution.