Manila rejects Beijing plan to set up nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal

THE PHILIPPINES on Thursday rejected China’s plan to set up a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, saying it is “patently illegal.”

- By Adrian H. Halili and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio Reporters

In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo M. Afo said the plan is a strategic move to project greater control over the rocky atoll, a prime fishing patch located within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile (370 kilometers) exclusive economic zone.

“This move by the People’s Republic of Chinais less about protecting the environment and more about justifying its control over a maritime feature that is part of the territory of the Philippines,” he said.

“It is a clear pretext towards eventual occupation,” he added.

‘The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

Mr. Afo said the plan violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the 2016 arbitral ruling by a United Nations-backed tribunal and the 2022 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties.

‘The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in a separate statement said it would file a formal diplomatic protest against the plan.