The Philippines has firmly rejected China’s recent plan to establish a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed territory in the South China Sea. The move was denounced by Manila as “patently illegal” and seen as a calculated effort by Beijing to strengthen its control over the area, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

China’s State Council authorized the creation of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve, covering over 3,500 hectares around Scarborough Shoal—known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines. Chinese officials claim the reserve aims to protect the coral reef ecosystem and preserve biodiversity, describing it as a crucial step in safeguarding the natural environment.

However, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Año dismissed this justification, warning that the reserve designation is a “clear pretext” by China to assert greater dominance in the strategically vital waters. Manila insists that the shoal is an integral part of its territory and that China’s unilateral declaration violates international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Hague arbitration ruling which invalidated China’s expansive claims in the region.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs announced it will file a formal diplomatic protest, urging China to immediately withdraw the nature reserve designation and respect Philippine sovereignty. The government also stressed its exclusive authority to establish environmental protections within its maritime zones and criticized Beijing for disregarding established international norms.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded by reaffirming its claim to the shoal, labeling the Philippine objections as “baseless accusations” and urging Manila to halt provocations that could escalate tensions. Beijing maintains its actions comply with domestic laws and international environmental commitments, framing the nature reserve as part of its responsible stewardship of the sea.

Scarborough Shoal has been under de facto Chinese control since 2012, despite being located about 120 nautical miles off the Philippine coast. The area is prized for rich fishing grounds and its proximity to key shipping lanes. The latest development further heightens tensions in a region where contesting nations vie for control, resources, and strategic advantage.

Observers note that China’s use of environmental protection measures as a tool to reinforce territorial claims represents a sophisticated form of “lawfare” that complicates diplomatic efforts and restricts access to traditional fishing areas for Filipino communities. Manila remains resolute in opposing actions it views as eroding its maritime rights in the South China Sea.