MANILA — A Philippine official has expressed strong opposition to China’s recent designation of a marine nature reserve within the contested South China Sea, reaffirming Manila’s stance on sovereignty and environmental stewardship in the region.
The official criticized the move as an attempt by China to unilaterally impose jurisdiction over disputed waters, which overlap with the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The South China Sea has long been a source of tension due to overlapping territorial claims by multiple countries, including the Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and others.
“The unilateral declaration undermines dialogue and cooperation efforts aimed at peaceful and sustainable management of marine resources,” the official said. “We emphasize that any conservation measures must be agreed upon by all claimant states respecting international laws, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”
China’s creation of a marine reserve was announced as part of its environmental conservation plans for the region. However, critics argue that such moves serve as a legal cover for reinforcing territorial claims and limit access to resources by other neighboring nations.
The Philippine government continues to assert its sovereign rights over parts of the South China Sea recognized under the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated China’s expansive claims based on the “nine-dash line.” Manila calls for multilateral dialogue and cooperative resource management frameworks to promote peace and environmental protection.
“We remain committed to safeguarding our marine environment and ensuring that our rights and interests, as recognized under international law, are upheld,” the official affirmed, urging all parties to prioritize cooperation over confrontation.
This development comes amid heightened geopolitical attention to the South China Sea, where strategic shipping lanes and rich fishing grounds make the area critical for regional security and economic activity.
The Philippine government continues to monitor the situation closely, working with regional partners to uphold freedom of navigation and prevent unilateral actions that escalate tensions in these disputed waters.