Link to article : https://apnews.com/article/scarborough-shoal-south-china-sea-philippines-nature-reserve-ff53daacbc170f570132339c1aca4196
The Philippines protested a plan by China to make a nature reserve at a hotly shoal in the South China Sea. China and the Philippines both claim the Scarborough Shoal as their territory. The aim of the nature reserve is to protect a coral reef, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said a diplomatic protest is underway “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.” Lin Jian, a speaker for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that “The establishment of a national-level nature reserve on Huangyan Island falls within China’s sovereignty.” The United States has said that it is obligated to defend the Philippines, including the South China Sea. China’s nature reserve is seen as a way towards total occupation of the Scarborough Shoal.
China and the Philippines both claiming that they have the right to the Scarborough Shoal is amplifying tensions between the two countries and between the region. The Philippines argues that China wants the nature reserve for control over the South China Sea, but China states that it is for the maintenance of the shoal. Last month a Chinese navy ship collided with a Chinese Coast Guard ship while trying to block a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in Scarborough Shoal. Both countries are trying to enforce their territory. I think that since both countries claim the shoal, it is hard to say if China should or shouldn’t be allowed to make their nature reserve. Last month, the US deployed a missile destroyer and combat ship against China’s claims and sailing restrictions near the shoal, so I think it will be interesting to see if the US involves themselves in this.
I believe that both China and the Philippines will continue to debate over the nature reserve. I don’t think that China’s allies, like North Korea or Russia, will involve themselves in this. It does not affect them enough. Since the US has challenged China over the shoal before, I think that they would possibly defend the Philippines. I think that they would only do this if China physically harms the Philippines, like attacking their ships or aircraft. China’s State Council has involved themselves, defending the creation of the nature reserve. Non-state actors, such as the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, have also included themselves in the debate between the two countries.
This article connects to sovereignty, conflict, and international law. Both countries have claimed the sovereign right to the shoal. The Philippines has stated that China is going against international law with the establishment of the nature reserve. There is conflict between both countries over the matter, which also affects other countries in the region near the shoal, like Cambodia and Vietnam. The conflict can lead to military involvement.