China might build a science laboratory at the disputed Scarborough Shoal and invite international experts to conduct coral reef and fisheries research, a leading South China Sea analyst said.
He also called for further measures like boarding inspections, penalties for illegal fishing and barring rival claimants from the area.
Beijing announced on September 10 that it had approved the creation of a nature reserve spanning around 35 sq km (13.5 square miles) at the shoal, which Beijing calls Huangyan Island.
The Philippines, which also claims the feature and calls it the Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, condemned the Chinese move as “illegitimate and unlawful”. Manila claims the area lies within its exclusive economic zone.
Manila cries foul over Beijing’s nature reserve plan in South China Sea
Manila cries foul over Beijing’s nature reserve plan in South China Sea
Wu Shicun, founding president of the National Institute for South China Sea Studies, sought to explain the reasoning behind Beijing’s plans.
