MANILA – The Philippine government criticized Wednesday China’s publication of a new map that marks as its territory disputed islands in the South China Sea as well as waters right on the edge of the Philippine coast.

Foreign Affairs Spokesman Charles Jose said the publication of the new map only shows China’s “unreasonably expansive claim” of territories in the South China Sea that is contrary to international law.

“We should take note that no other country recognizes previously China’s nine-dash claim. Publishing a new map does not make the territories that they claim theirs,” he said in an ANC interview.

“It is precisely such ambitious expansionism that is causing tensions in the South China Sea,” he added.

Jose said the Philippine government has already protested China’s moves to create artificial islands and other reclamations in the disputed territories.

He said Manila is expecting a favorable ruling in its arbitration case against China before an international tribunal.

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