This week in the South China Sea, Beijing advanced its latest attempt to solidify control by declaring a new “national nature reserve” at Scarborough Shoal — a disputed reef inside the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone but under Chinese control since 2012. The move drew sharp protests from Manila, which sees it as ecological cover for occupation, and strong backing from Washington, which condemned the plan as destabilizing. Filipino fishermen fear more harassment and loss of access to traditional fishing grounds. At the same time, China’s military carried out patrols and issued stern warnings to the Philippines, urging it to halt so-called “provocations” linked to joint drills with the U.S. and Japan. The convergence of ecological claims, military maneuvers, and alliance politics underscores how environmental justifications are now being woven into the region’s sovereignty disputes. With livelihood, law, and power projection all colliding at Scarborough Shoal, the week’s developments highlight the intensifying struggle over both resources and rules in the South China Sea.
China Declares Scarborough Shoal a Nature Reserve
China announced that it is establishing the “Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve” at Scarborough Shoal, a contested reef long claimed by the Philippines. The move was framed as an ecological measure to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity. However, critics in Manila argue that the plan is less about conservation and more about consolidating Beijing’s grip on the area, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone under international law.
The Philippine government condemned the action as unlawful and provocative, pointing to the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping maritime claims. Officials described the reserve as a “pretext for occupation” that could further restrict the access of Filipino fishermen who depend on the waters for their livelihoods. Fishermen’s groups fear increased patrols and stricter enforcement under the guise of environmental regulation, which could escalate confrontations at sea.
The United States expressed strong support for the Philippines, with Washington labeling Beijing’s move as destabilizing and coercive. Regional observers note that China has increasingly used “environmental management” to justify strategic control of disputed features. This latest development suggests a further layering of soft power narratives over hard power realities in contested waters.
Source: Al Jazeera
Beijing Warns Manila Over Joint Drills
China’s military issued a warning to the Philippines after conducting patrols in the South China Sea, urging Manila to stop what it labeled “provocative actions.” The Southern Theater Command accused the Philippines of escalating tensions by conducting military exercises with outside powers, particularly the United States and Japan. Beijing framed its response as a defensive measure to safeguard sovereignty and maritime rights.
The timing of the warning coincided with the joint drills staged within the Philippine exclusive economic zone. For Manila, these exercises demonstrate alliance strength and a deterrent posture against maritime coercion. For Beijing, however, they serve as evidence of foreign interference and justification for a firmer stance.
While China’s statements were couched in the language of stability, the underlying message reinforced its claim of jurisdiction over disputed waters. Analysts suggest that this pattern — issuing administrative declarations, conducting visible patrols, and delivering strong warnings — reflects Beijing’s strategy of incrementally building de facto control without triggering outright military conflict.
The Philippines has so far stood by its right to cooperate with allies but faces an increasingly fraught balancing act as both livelihood and sovereignty are challenged by its larger neighbor’s maneuvers.
Source: Reuters