Particle.news
Download on the App Store
24 ARTICLES
·
last mo.

China Designates Nature Reserve at Scarborough Shoal as Philippines Lodges Protest

Manila says the plan violates its rights in its exclusive economic zone under international law.

Vessels identified by the Philippine Coast Guard as China's so-called "Maritime Militia" are seen inside the lagoon of the Scarborough Shoal, in the South China Sea during an aerial reconnaissance flight on February 18, 2025.
A Filipino fisheman rows a boat during a trip near the disputed Scarborough Shoal, in Masinloc, Zambales province, Philippines, July 18, 2022. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David/File Photo
Image
Image

Overview

  • Philippine officials filed a formal diplomatic protest, calling the action illegitimate and unlawful and urging Beijing to withdraw the plan.
  • China’s forestry authority published a map outlining a 3,523.67-hectare reserve on the shoal’s northeastern rim with core and experimental zones that would restrict access.
  • Beijing describes the designation as ecological protection and has signaled tougher enforcement against what it deems illegal activities in the area.
  • The shoal lies inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, sovereignty over the feature remains unresolved, and a 2016 arbitral ruling rejected China’s expansive maritime claims and found its blockade unlawful.
  • Filipino fishermen warn the move will intensify harassment and further limit catches, following recent dangerous encounters including a collision between Chinese naval and coast guard vessels near the shoal.