China Declares Nature Reserve at Scarborough Shoal, Sparks Outrage

On September 10, 2025, China’s State Council announced the establishment of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a territory that lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but has been under Chinese control since 2012. The reserve, covering approximately 3,524 hectares, is intended to safeguard the area’s biodiversity and stability, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. However, this move has drawn widespread condemnation from both the Philippines and the United States, who view it as an attempt by China to solidify its claims over the strategically significant region.

Scarborough Shoal, known in Chinese as Huangyan Dao and in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc, is a triangular chain of reefs and rocks located just 200 kilometers from Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines. Despite being uninhabited, its surrounding waters are rich in marine life, making it vital for local fishing communities in Zambales and Pangasinan. The shoal also lies near major shipping lanes through which over $3 trillion in global trade passes annually, underscoring its importance beyond regional disputes.

The conflict over Scarborough Shoal intensified in 2012, following a standoff between the Philippine Navy and Chinese vessels. This incident resulted in China’s de facto control over the area, which has since been bolstered by the presence of the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia, often blocking Filipino fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea lack legal basis under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The tribunal deemed China’s blockade unlawful and recognized Scarborough as a traditional fishing ground for multiple nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam, yet did not assign sovereignty.

The Philippine government has expressed strong opposition to the newly declared nature reserve, arguing that it is a facade for Chinese control rather than a legitimate environmental initiative. The Department of Foreign Affairs labeled the plan as “illegitimate and unlawful,” while National Security Adviser Eduardo Año described it as “a clear pretext towards eventual occupation.” Philippine officials contend that UNCLOS permits environmental protection but does not authorize a country to impose conservation measures to assert sovereignty over another nation’s exclusive economic zone.

For local fishermen, the situation is dire. Many have relied on the waters surrounding Scarborough Shoal for generations, but access has become increasingly restricted since 2012. Fishermen report frequent encounters with Chinese coast guard vessels, leading to diminished catches and increased operational risks. “Even now there has been harassment… We will be bullied even more,” stated Mariano Cardenio, a fisherman with three decades of experience at Scarborough. Another fisherman, Ruel Villanueva, expressed concern that China’s assertions of ownership will severely impact their livelihoods.

While China claims the reserve aims to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity, skepticism abounds. The National Forestry and Grassland Administration characterized the initiative as an “important safeguard” for the ecosystem. Yet, a report by the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that Chinese island-building projects have already buried around 4,648 acres of coral reefs, with additional damage to 16,353 acres linked to giant clam harvesting. Philippine officials have pointed to this history as evidence of China’s environmental claims being misleading.

Responding to China’s actions, the United States quickly expressed support for the Philippines. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the plan as “destabilising” and urged China to respect the 2016 tribunal ruling. Washington also reminded Beijing of the implications of the 1951 Mutual Defence Treaty with the Philippines, which covers armed attacks on Philippine forces or vessels in the South China Sea. This suggests that any confrontation at Scarborough could potentially involve U.S. military forces.

In a broader context, the Philippines has increased its military coordination with allies, conducting joint patrols with the U.S. and Japan near Scarborough shortly after the reserve’s announcement. Additionally, Australia and Canada have participated in naval drills in the same waters. In contrast, Chinese state media accused the Philippines of inviting outside powers to complicate the dispute.

The timing of China’s announcement appears strategic. In 2025, it has initiated various conservation projects as part of an effort to position itself as a global environmental leader while simultaneously tightening its control over Scarborough Shoal. Analysts suggest that the nature reserve is a continuation of this pattern, providing an administrative framework to normalize Chinese jurisdiction in the area.

The recent history of confrontations, including an incident in August where a Chinese navy destroyer collided with a China Coast Guard vessel near a Philippine patrol boat, further emphasizes the tensions surrounding Scarborough Shoal. Reports of Filipino boats being targeted with water cannons, and claims of the expulsion of a U.S. Navy ship add to the complexity of the situation. The declaration of the reserve so soon after these incidents signals to Manila that Beijing intends not just to maintain its presence but to entrench it under the guise of environmental protection.

As the situation evolves, the implications of China’s actions at Scarborough Shoal will continue to resonate across the region, affecting not only local fishing communities but also the broader geopolitical landscape in the South China Sea.