China Approves Nature Reserve at Disputed Scarborough Shoal, Heightening South China Sea Tensions

A Chinese military helicopter was observed flying near a Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic (BFAR) aircraft above Scarborough Shoal on February 18, 2025.

China has authorized the establishment of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, a territory also claimed by the Philippines in the South China Sea. The specifics regarding the area and scope of the project will be announced separately by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, according to a notice released online by China’s State Council. The notice stated that the reserve's creation is crucial for preserving the diversity, stability, and sustainability of the natural ecosystem of Huangyan Island, the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal.

Scarborough Shoal is a site of frequent confrontations between Chinese and Philippine vessels, as both nations seek to assert their claims over the area. This shoal is one of many islands, islets, and reefs in the South China Sea claimed by China and other neighboring countries, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.

These waters are a significant shipping route, patrolled by the U.S. Navy, and are also a valuable fishing ground with potential mineral resources.

A recent incident involved a Chinese navy ship colliding with a Chinese coast guard ship near Scarborough Shoal while attempting to obstruct a Philippine coast guard vessel. Philippine military officials reported that the high-speed collision may have resulted in the deaths of at least two Chinese personnel, based on video evidence.

In August, the Philippines, Australia, and Canada conducted joint military drills east of Scarborough Shoal, involving aircraft and warships, simulating aerial threat scenarios.