U.S., Philippines Say China Fishing Rules Threaten Stability

The U.S. and Philippines criticized China for threatening stability in the South China Sea after it introduced fishing rules requiring foreign vessels to seek permission before entering waters off its southern coast.

The area covered by the rules introduced Jan. 1 extends into waterways where China has territorial disputes with other Asian countries including the Philippines and Vietnam. Spats involving fishing and exploration boats have already raised tensions in the area, where there is competition for fish, gas and oil.