The Philippines says it is keeping a close eye on China after Beijing announced plans to set up a “nature reserve” around the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. Armed Forces Chief General Romeo Brawner said on Friday that Manila is monitoring developments carefully.
Scarborough Shoal is a small but strategic fishing ground about 200 km from the Philippines’ Luzon island. Both China and the Philippines claim the area, but China has controlled it since 2012 after a tense naval standoff. The shoal is rich in marine life and also sits in waters believed to hold oil and gas reserves.
Why it matters
Sovereignty issue: The shoal is inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) under international law, but China rejects this and continues to assert control.
Environmental claim vs. strategy: Critics say the “nature reserve” could be a cover for Beijing to strengthen its hold over the area.
Regional security: The South China Sea is a flashpoint involving multiple countries and is crucial for global trade. Any new Chinese moves could heighten tensions with Manila and its allies, especially the U.S.
Future Scenario
China’s plan to turn Scarborough Shoal into a “nature reserve” could set the stage for tighter control over the disputed waters, potentially restricting Filipino fishermen while giving Beijing a softer justification for its presence. For the Philippines, this move raises fears of creeping militarization under the guise of conservation, and may push Manila to lean more heavily on allies like the U.S. to defend its maritime rights. If China enforces restrictions, tensions at sea could escalate, with risks of confrontations between coast guards or fishing vessels. Regionally, other Southeast Asian claimants will be watching closely, as this strategy might be repeated elsewhere in the South China Sea.
with information from Reuters.
