China Plans Marine Reserve; Philippines Protests
The Chronify
The Philippines has condemned China’s planned “national nature reserve” at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, calling it an excuse for eventual occupation. Manila says the move is “patently illegal” and violates both the 2016 arbitration ruling and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
China on Wednesday announced plans to establish a “Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve” (Huangyan Dao – China’s name for Scarborough Shoal / Bajo de Masinloc). The reserve is intended to protect the coral reef ecosystem, preserving ecological diversity, stability, and sustainability.
The proposed protected area would cover approximately 3,523.67 hectares (about 8,707 acres) and will include a core zone surrounded by two experimental zones.
Meanwhile, the Philippines has strongly objected. Its foreign affairs department called China’s move “illegitimate and unlawful”, saying it violates Philippine sovereignty. Manila has said Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is a “longstanding and integral part” of Philippine territory.
National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano described the plan as being “less about protecting the environment and more about justifying China’s control over a maritime feature” that falls under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, calling it a “clear pretext toward eventual occupation.
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