China’s proposal to establish a nature reserve in the Scarborough Shoal has ignited significant backlash from the Philippines and the United States.
Published On 13 Sep 2025
In a move that has escalated tensions in the South China Sea, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly backed the Philippines in its opposition to China’s recent announcement regarding the Scarborough Shoal. The Chinese government plans to designate the contested area as a “national nature reserve,” a decision that many view as a strategic maneuver to assert control over the region.
Rubio took to social media to express his support, stating, “The U.S. stands with our Philippine ally in rejecting China’s destabilizing plans to establish a ‘national nature reserve’ at Scarborough Reef.” He characterized the initiative as part of a broader pattern of coercive tactics employed by Beijing to expand its territorial claims at the expense of neighboring countries.
Background on Scarborough Shoal
Scarborough Shoal, located approximately 240 kilometers (150 miles) west of the Philippines’ Luzon Island, has been a flashpoint in the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Despite being within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, the shoal has been under Chinese control since 2012, following a standoff that saw the Philippine Navy and Chinese vessels engaged in a tense confrontation.
China’s State Council recently announced plans to establish a nature reserve covering 3,500 hectares (8,650 acres) in the area, claiming it as an essential measure for maintaining biodiversity and ecological stability. However, this declaration has been met with skepticism and outrage from the Philippines, which views it as a thinly veiled attempt to legitimize China’s claims over the shoal.
Philippine Government’s Response
The Philippine government has reacted strongly to China’s announcement. The Department of Foreign Affairs has vowed to file a formal diplomatic protest against what it describes as an “illegitimate and unlawful action.” National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano has labeled the proposed nature reserve as “patently illegal,” citing violations of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a 2016 arbitral ruling that favored the Philippines.
According to Ano, the initiative is less about environmental protection and more about justifying China’s control over a maritime feature that is integral to Philippine territory. He stated, “It is a clear pretext towards eventual occupation,” emphasizing the need for the Philippines to assert its rights in the face of increasing Chinese assertiveness.
Geopolitical Implications
Analysts suggest that China’s move may be a test of the Philippines’ resolve in defending its territorial claims. Julio S. Amador III, CEO of Amador Research Services, noted that Beijing is likely observing how Manila responds to this latest provocation. “If it sees that there is no effective pushback, then there is a strong possibility that it will try to do the same over other features,” he warned.
This situation is further complicated by the strategic importance of the South China Sea, a vital maritime corridor through which over $3 trillion in trade passes annually. The region is not only rich in natural resources but also serves as a critical route for international shipping, making it a focal point for geopolitical tensions involving multiple nations, including Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam, all of which have competing claims.
Military Maneuvers and Regional Stability
In response to the escalating tensions, the Philippines, along with allies Australia and Canada, recently conducted joint naval exercises near Scarborough Shoal. These drills were designed to simulate aerial attacks and countermeasures, underscoring the growing military cooperation among nations concerned about China’s assertiveness in the region.
China, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to defending its claims in the South China Sea, further complicating the already fraught situation. The Chinese government maintains that its sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea is non-negotiable, despite the international community’s growing skepticism regarding its expansive territorial claims.
Conclusion
The proposed establishment of a nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal by China has not only reignited tensions between Beijing and Manila but has also drawn the attention of the United States, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea. As the Philippines prepares to lodge a formal protest and strengthen its military alliances, the situation remains precarious. The international community watches closely, aware that the outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international maritime law.
