Chinese authorities released a newly drawn map this month that claims ownership of nearly all of the South China Sea, an area larger than India, stretching from China’s shores thousands of kilometres to the territorial waters of the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The English-language Global Times, which communicates policy of the Communist Party government, described it as a “normal exercise of sovereignty in accordance with the law.”

The Filipino secretary of defence sees it differently, calling the new map “control and occupation over the South China Sea.”

In an exclusive interview with CBC News, Gilberto Teodoro says the move “absolutely proves [China’s] intent of expanding and being more assertive.”

“If that’s not stopped, then the whole international rules-based order is in jeopardy.”

He says Chinese control over the South China Sea could imperil the freedom of movement for nations all over the world.