"A new Philippine law reasserting Manila's claim to disputed islands in the South China Sea has rankled its neighbors, drawing criticisms from Vietnam, Taiwan and China. Earlier this week, China sent a patrol boat to the South China Sea, once again highlighting why the area has long been considered one of Asia's flashpoints.Protesting fishermen call for ouster of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, scrapping of the agreement in China on Spratly island (File)Philippine President Gloria Arroyo signed the Baselines Law, last week, without fanfare. However, reaction from the country's neighbors have been swift and scathing. The law defines the extent of what the Philippines' considers its exclusive economic zone and reaffirmed claims to the disputed Spratly Islands, off its western seaboard." (2009, Voanews.com)
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