A new law that allows China’s coastguard to fire on ships in disputed waters is a “virtual declaration of war”, according to the head of a Philippine fishers’ association, while a security analyst says it will stoke Filipinos’ “hatred of China”.The legislation “contradicts the principle of freedom of navigation recognised by international maritime law”, said Fernando Hicap, chairperson of Pamalakaya, a federation of small fisherfolk organisations that has been vocal in asserting Philippine…
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