China has announced the creation of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, one of the most contested sites in the South China Sea. The move covers more than 3,500 hectares and focuses on coral reef protection, but it has triggered sharp protests from the Philippines, which calls the action illegal and an infringement on its sovereignty.
Escalating Tensions with the Philippines
The Philippines’ foreign ministry condemned the decision, describing Scarborough Shoal—known locally as Bajo de Masinloc—as an “integral part” of its territory. Officials said a formal diplomatic protest will be lodged, emphasizing that the shoal lies just 200 km off its coast and within its exclusive economic zone. Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año accused China of using environmental protection as a pretext for asserting control over the area.
China’s Justification and Strategic Aims
China’s State Council framed the reserve as a step to safeguard biodiversity and maintain ecosystem stability. The designation creates a strict core zone and two experimental zones that permit limited scientific research and tourism. Chinese experts hailed the reserve as a signal of sovereignty and a rebuttal to accusations of environmental harm caused by years of island building. Beijing insists its actions are lawful, urging Manila to stop what it calls provocations.
A History of Dispute
Scarborough Shoal has been a flashpoint since China seized it from the Philippines in 2012. Frequent standoffs have escalated into dangerous clashes, including a collision between a Chinese navy destroyer and a coast guard ship in August 2025. Philippine fishermen have often been blocked from accessing traditional fishing grounds, fueling anger and reinforcing calls for stronger international support.
Environmental Concerns
Despite China’s conservation narrative, research highlights extensive damage from dredging, land reclamation, and giant clam harvesting across the South China Sea. A report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that more than 20,000 acres of reefs have been destroyed by Chinese activities. Philippine officials say the declaration of a reserve at Scarborough Shoal ignores the long-term harm already inflicted on the ecosystem.
Regional and Global Implications
The dispute underscores the broader geopolitical stakes of the South China Sea, a waterway vital to global trade and rich in marine resources. With the Philippines backed by its defense treaty with the United States, any serious escalation risks dragging Washington into direct confrontation with Beijing. For now, Manila views China’s move as less about conservation and more about entrenching control in contested waters.