PH protests China's plan to establish nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it will file a diplomatic protest against China’s planned establishment of a national nature reserve in the hotly contested Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), which is an integral part of the Philippines’ sovereignty and jurisdiction.

- RAYMUND ANTONIO

The DFA issued a statement on Thursday, Sept. 11, a day after China's State Council announced the establishment of the "Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve." "The Philippines strongly protests the recent approval by the State Council of China of the establishment of the so-called 'Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve'," the department said. "The Philippines will be issuing a formal diplomatic protest against this illegitimate and unlawful action by China as it clearly infringes upon the rights and interests of the Philippines in accordance with international law," it added.