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Washington. Tensions between China and the Philippines over the disputed Scarborough Reef in the South China Sea have once again surfaced. The United States on Saturday expressed its opposition to China’s establishment of a “National Nature Reserve” on Scarborough Reef. The US State Department stated that this move could prevent Philippine fishermen from accessing their traditional fishing grounds.

Did the US reject China’s “National Nature Reserve”?
The US State Department stated that it rejects China’s efforts to implement a “National Nature Reserve” on Scarborough Reef. According to the department, this move by China could impact Philippine fishermen’s access to their traditional fishing grounds. The US alleged that China is citing environmental and legal grounds to advance its extensive territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea.

Did the US support the Philippines?
The US State Department stated that the US stands with its ally, the Philippines, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This statement comes after China announced new management measures for the disputed area. In Philippine and international legal documents, this area is referred to as Scarborough Shoal.

What steps has China taken regarding Scarborough Reef?
According to the China Daily, China has announced new management measures. These measures were issued on August 1 and consist of 16 articles. They aim to establish regulations for the management of the newly established “National Nature Reserve.” According to the China Daily, China’s State Council approved the establishment of this reserve in September 2025.

Will four Chinese agencies jointly monitor this area?
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the China Coast Guard, and the People’s Government of Hainan Province jointly issued these management measures. These measures call for establishing a coordination mechanism between the four agencies. Its purpose is to address key issues, strengthen cooperation and information sharing, and strengthen law enforcement mechanisms for monitoring and monitoring activities deemed illegal.

Is there already a dispute between China and the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal?
Tensions between China and the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal are ongoing. This area is a disputed territory located in the South China Sea. In 2016, the Arbitration Tribunal, constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), issued a ruling on the South China Sea. The ruling stated that China’s claim of historical rights to the resources of the sea areas falling within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone has no legal basis. However, China has rejected this ruling.