Scarborough Shoal an ecological litmus test

Yet in disputed waters, such efforts are often entangled with strategic motives, turning green initiatives into tools of power projection.

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Vietnam, too, has leaned on green rhetoric, though its land reclamation projects in the Spratlys raise questions about its intent.

But as Dr Koh noted, "Of the three, the Philippines has the strongest moral ascendancy," largely because it has avoided or lacks the resources for large-scale ecological disruption.

China's new strategy appears less about sustainability and more about legitimacy. Unable to secure legal or diplomatic recognition for its expansive maritime claims, it is attempting to reframe its efforts in the South China Sea as some form of stewardship in order to soften its image.

Beijing insists its conservation aims are genuine. In recent interviews, Chinese scholars have defended the proposal. "China's primary consideration is to protect the marine ecological environment and biodiversity of Huangyan Island and its surrounding waters," said Dr Wu Shicun, chairman of the Huayang Ocean Research Centre in a Sept 21 interview with Observer.com.

Citing a 2024 ecological assessment jointly released by the Chinese government and research institutions, he claimed the marine environment around Scarborough Shoal remains in generally good condition.