Philippines Files Formal Protest Against China’s Nature Reserve Plan in Scarborough Shoal

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced on Saturday that it has formally lodged a diplomatic protest against China’s decision to create a nature reserve at the contested Scarborough Shoal. This area lies within Philippine maritime territory but is subject to overlapping claims by Beijing.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona confirmed the filing of the protest but did not disclose if the Chinese ambassador was summoned to receive the diplomatic note on Friday. According to Escalona, "The Department filed a protest yesterday, which is a strong, unequivocal and formal articulation of Philippine objections to the Chinese action."

Manila has consistently regarded provocative activities, including Chinese construction operations in the shoal—referred to locally as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal—as "red lines" that are unacceptable and non-negotiable.

China announced its approval on September 10 to designate the Scarborough Shoal, known in China as Huangyan Island, as a national nature reserve. This move is perceived as part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen its maritime claims over the disputed region.

The United States, a longstanding ally of the Philippines, expressed support for Manila’s firm opposition. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described China’s plan as "another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea," emphasizing how such actions "undermine regional stability." He also urged China to end restrictions on Filipino fishermen accessing traditional fishing grounds.

Scarborough Shoal is a U-shaped reef rich in marine biodiversity, seized by China during a standoff in 2012. Following this, the Philippines filed a legal arbitration case, resulting in a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The court invalidated China’s extensive claims and affirmed the shoal as traditional fishing territory for Filipino, Vietnamese, and Chinese fishermen. Additionally, the tribunal found that China violated Filipino fishermen’s rights by blocking their access.

The Philippine government reiterates its sovereignty over the shoal, citing the Constitution and stressing its integral status within the nation’s territory. The shoal is located approximately 124 nautical miles from the nearest Philippine landmass in Zambales, compared to 472 nautical miles from Hainan Island, China’s closest province.

Tensions in the South China Sea persist as China asserts control over nearly the entire body of water, impacting key international shipping routes valued at more than $3 trillion annually. The Philippines has reinforced its claims by renaming parts of the contested waters as the West Philippine Sea, which includes territories west of the Philippine archipelago like the Luzon Sea and Kalayaan Island Group.

China has refused to accept the arbitration ruling, further complicating efforts to resolve disputes peacefully.

Requests for comment from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines regarding the protest have not yet been addressed.