The Philippines has formally protested China's recent announcement of a national nature reserve at the strategically vital Scarborough Shoal, asserting that the move infringes upon Philippine rights under international law. China's State Council declared the creation of the "Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve" on September 11, 2025, citing biodiversity preservation as its primary objective. This action has escalated existing territorial disputes in the South China Sea, a region critical for global trade and renowned for its rich marine biodiversity. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lodged a strong diplomatic protest, stating that China's declaration is "illegitimate and unlawful" and "clearly infringes upon the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law." The DFA urged China to respect Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, and to withdraw its announcement.
China, in response, reiterated its claim of "indisputable sovereignty" over the area, referring to it as Huangyan Island and accusing the Philippines of provocation. Scarborough Shoal, located approximately 124 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales province, Philippines, has been a flashpoint for tensions between the two nations. This latest development follows a series of incidents, including Chinese coast guard vessels expelling Philippine ships in August 2025 and a close encounter between a Chinese military helicopter and a Philippine fisheries aircraft in February 2025. These events underscore a pattern of escalating assertiveness in the region.
The international community, including the United States, has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. The U.S. has reaffirmed its defense commitment to the Philippines and called for peaceful resolutions to the disputes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional stability. A 2016 international tribunal ruling invalidated China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, including those concerning Scarborough Shoal, finding them to be without legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, China has consistently rejected this ruling.
Experts suggest that China's designation of a nature reserve may serve as a strategic maneuver to consolidate its territorial claims, disguising expansionist ambitions under the guise of environmental protection. The South China Sea is a critical ecosystem, home to a significant portion of the world's coral reefs and marine species. Scientists warn that ongoing territorial disputes and related activities, such as island-building and overfishing, have already caused severe damage to these vital marine habitats, with estimates suggesting thousands of acres of coral reefs have been destroyed or damaged. The Philippines has highlighted China's role in this environmental degradation, seeking to rally international support against Beijing's assertive actions. The situation at Scarborough Shoal highlights the complex interplay between geopolitical ambitions, international law, and the urgent need for environmental stewardship in one of the world's most contested maritime areas.