A nature reserve in Scarborough: Inquirer.net spotlights China’s continuing expansionism

CHEERS TO Inquirer.net for looking into the new “nature reserve” that China established in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Kurt dela Peña’s report stressed that this should be viewed as part of China’s expansionist policy that ignores Philippine sovereignty over its own waters.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs immediately responded with a diplomatic protest against China’s announcement of its establishment of the “Huangyan Island National Nature Reserve” in Scarborough Shoal, which China described as “an important guarantee for maintaining the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the atoll’s natural ecosystem.” Media reports did not say what is meant by “a nature reserve. 

In its statement on September 11, the DFA emphasized the Philippines’ exclusive authority to establish environmental protection areas over its territory and maritime zones. 

Dela Peña’s account on October 30 traced the basis of China’s initiative, going back to key documents and historical accounts that the country has cited to justify its expansionism. Citing local and international experts in defense and international relations, he explained that the nature reserve that spans 3,520 hectares has two zones that permit different levels of human presence and scientific activity. Dela Peña added that China defined these zones based on its 1994 Regulations on Nature Reserve, which were last revised in 2017. 

Dela Peña also reported that as early as the 1980s, experts have observed China’s use of environmental issues to justify its hold the WPS. These have included fishing bans, building weather stations, and storm shelters for fisherfolk in reefs. But these actions have often included Chinese military activities, the dredging of reefs and the creation of artificial islands. Dela Peña cited retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who said in his book that Scarborough Shoal has proven a strategic location for another Chinese military and naval base.

Dela Peña, however, also pointed to the hypocrisy of China. He cited the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative’s (AMTI) observation that China has already done significant damage to the territory it seeks to protect with its indiscriminate clam harvesting. 

Dela Peña cited sources to support the view that China’s declaration of a nature reserve is driven by self-interest and the intent to nullify the 2016 arbitration ruling that favored the Philippines in the WPS maritime dispute. 

Stories about defense issues in the West Philippine Sea have been sidelined in the news by the flood control scandal. Dela Peña’s account serves as a reminder of the longstanding issue involving China’s continuing activities in Philippine waters that use up food and energy resources that belong to Filipinos. 

Media must keep eyes on China’s expansive moves in the WPS.  Moreover, journalists should check whether government is doing enough to protect the country’s national rights over its territory and its resources.