In a new round of intensity, the decision of Beijing to proclaim a national natural shelter in the reef Scarborire (Scarborough Shoal)one of the most controversial marine areas on the planet.

On Wednesday, the Chinese government approved the creation of more than 3,500 hectares in the reef, which it calls “Huangian island», With the aim – officially – to protect the coral ecosystem, according to National Forestry and Livadi Administration her China.

As the CNNthis move caused her strong protest Manilawhich accuses Beijing of “illegal and unlawful action” that violates its sovereign rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Philippine He announced that he would submit an official diplomatic protest, stressing that the reef – which the Philippines call it Bajo de masinloc – It is an “integral part” of their national territory.

The Chinese side responded by rejecting the “unfounded accusations and protests”, calling on Manila to stop the “challenges”.

Scarboro, just 200 kilometers from the Philippines but 870 kilometers from Hainan, is located inside Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines and has been a point of friction between Beijing and Manila for years. The reef is of strategic importance, rich in catches and safe anchorage for fishing boats.

China occupied him uninhabited in 2012, after a long confrontation with the Philippine Navy, and has since maintained a nearly permanent presence in the area. In recent years, it has intensified patrols, preventing Philippine fishermen from approaching their traditional fishing fields.

The situation was exacerbated in August, when the Chinese Navy’s destroyer collided with a China Coast Guard vessel during a landing of the Philippines near the reef, causing serious damage. The episode highlighted the dangers that are in the increasingly violent conflict.

Washington is closely monitoring developments, as the Philippines are an ally of the US mutual defense – which means that a serious hot incident could also involve the US Armed Forces.

Beijing argues that the creation of the shelter will help “maintain biodiversity and stability of the natural ecosystem”, while Chinese experts speak of a “strong response” to the accusations of environmental destruction.

However, this move has caused skepticism, as China itself has been repeatedly accused of enormous environmental disaster in the area due to extensive dyeing and artificial islands. Its exposure Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) In 2023 he said that Chinese activities destroyed tens of thousands of acres of coral reefs.

The Philippine National Security Advisor, Eduardostated characteristically:

“The irony is clear. Since 2016 there has been evidence of massive reefs and illegal fishing of protected species by Chinese fishermen. They are now trying to appear as patrons of an ecosystem they themselves destroyed. “