MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and Vietnam on Friday condemned a new Chinese law that requires foreign fishermen to seek Beijing’s approval to operate in much of the South China Sea, where overlapping territorial claims have escalated tensions.

China’s assertiveness in pressing its claims in the waters, which are believed to have significant seabed gas and oil deposits, has are unnerved its smaller neighbors and created a potential military flashpoint. Anger is especially acute in Philippines and Vietnam, which believe they have strong claims on waters off their shores.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/philippines-vietnam-condemn-chinas-fishing-law/2014/01/10/725fb874-79e3-11e3-a647-a19deaf575b3_story.html