China’s designation of a national nature reserve in the contested Scarborough Shoal – and its punitive measures for unauthorised entry – have prompted strong pushback from the Philippines, with analysts warning the move could escalate tensions in the strategically important waterway.
Beijing’s announcement of the decision on Wednesday marked its latest efforts to consolidate its claims in the contested area that is now a focal point of intense confrontations between the two countries and could drag the US, an ally of Manila by treaty, into the conflict.
On Thursday, Philippine national security adviser Eduardo Ano called the Chinese plan a “clear pretext towards eventual occupation” instead of a move to protect the environment. The Philippine foreign ministry also said it would issue a “formal diplomatic protest against this illegitimate and unlawful action by China”.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian defended the move, saying it was within China’s sovereignty to “safeguard the diversity, stability and sustainability” of Scarborough’s ecological system.
“We urge the Philippine side to immediately cease its infringing and provocative actions, as well as its reckless sensationalism, to avoid further complicating the maritime situation.”
Beijing and Manila have blamed each other for damaging the environment in the disputed waters in the South China Sea. The Philippines was reportedly working to build a new arbitration case against China, possibly over China’s alleged destruction of coral reefs.
