On September 10, China announced that the State Council had approved the establishment of the Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve in Sansha City, Hainan Province. The reserve, covering 3,523 hectares, is intended to protect coral reef ecosystems. The area lies in the disputed South China Sea region of Scarborough Shoal (known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines).
The Philippines condemned the move, claiming it is a pretext for China to assert control over Scarborough Shoal. On September 11, Manila issued a statement “strongly protesting” the reserve, reiterating its sovereignty over the area and exclusive rights to establish environmental protections there.
On the same day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated that Huangyan Island is China’s inherent territory and that the creation of the reserve falls within China’s sovereign rights. He dismissed Manila’s accusations and urged the Philippines to cease provocative actions.
Source: VOA, September 12, 2025
https://www.voachinese.com/a/philippines-strongly-protests-china-s-plan-to-establish-a-nature-reserve-in-disputed-waters-of-the-south-china-sea-20250911/8064969.html