US rejects China's "nature reserve" plan at Scarborough Reef, backs Philippines
Washington, August 9
The United States on Saturday "rejected" China's move to establish what it called a "national nature reserve" at Scarborough Reef, saying the measure could restrict Filipino fishermen's access to their traditional fishing grounds.
In a press release, the US Department of State said, "The United States rejects China's ongoing attempts to enforce its destabilising "national nature reserve" at Scarborough Reef and deny Filipino fishermen access to their traditional fishing ground as reflected in the 2016 Arbitral Award. This is yet another unilateral attempt by China to use dubious environmental and legal pretexts, backed by coercion, to advance its sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbours."
"The United States stands with our Ally, the Philippines, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific," the statement further read.
The statement followed China's announcement of new management measures for the disputed feature, referred to by the Philippines and international legal documents as Scarborough Shoal. According to China Daily, the measures were issued on August 1 and consist of 16 articles aimed at managing the newly established "national nature reserve".
China Daily reported that China's State Council approved the establishment of the "reserve" in September 2025, with the measures jointly issued by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, National Forestry and Grassland Administration, China Coast Guard, and the People's Government of Hainan Province.
According to the Chinese state-run outlet, the measures establish a coordination mechanism among the four agencies to address major issues, strengthen cooperation and information-sharing, and enhance supervision and law enforcement against activities deemed illegal.
The development comes amid continued tensions between China and the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal, a disputed feature in the South China Sea.
The 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, issued by the arbitral tribunal constituted under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), found that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the maritime areas falling within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. However, China has rejected the same.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who follows geopolitics closely, I find this concerning. The US backing the Philippines under the 2016 ruling is legally sound, but making it a US-China confrontation escalates tensions. India should play a mediator role here given our historical ties with both nations.
Yaar, why is America always poking its nose everywhere? Scarborough is closer to the Philippines anyway, but China's approach of creating "nature reserves" feels like a land grab tactic. Both sides need to come to the table without outside interference. 🙏
Let's be real here. The 2016 arbitral award was a farce - no Chinese judge participated, and the tribunal had no jurisdiction. India also doesn't accept such forced arbitration on border matters. China has every right to protect its reefs and waters. US should practice what it preaches on sovereignty.
Honestly, China calling it a "national nature reserve" is just a clever PR move. They know environmental arguments win international sympathy. But at the end of the day, this is about territory and resources. The Philippines' fishermen being denied access is a real concern that shouldn't be glossed over.
The US calling for a "free and open Indo-Pacific" sounds noble, but their selective application of international law is frustrating. India remembers how the US pressured us on the NSG and other issues. China may be assertive, but at least they're consistent in their approach. This regional issue should be settled by ASEAN and China, not Washington.
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